Yangarra started introducing large format foudre in 2017, and a single block of Shiraz (block 12) started to show its head with a particular style that was very much suited to whole bunch and large format oak. Originally labelled as the "Whole Bunch" Shiraz, the label evolved to become the King's Wood with the first release only in 2017... and what an introduction it was scoring 99 points from James Halliday. The 2019 vintage is excellent. A rare mix of power and restraint. The palate is captivating with its plush, supple, velvety nature. All of the elements are perfectly integrated. Special.

Yangarra Estate is a renowned biodynamic wine farm located in the picturesque McLaren Vale region of South Australia. The winery prides itself on producing exceptional wines solely from its single-vineyard estate, which is dedicated to cultivating the finest grape varieties of the southern Rhone. The unique combination of rare geologies, moderate altitude, abundant sunshine, and cool evening breezes at Yangarra make it an ideal location for growing varieties that thrive in moderate maritime environments. The Yangarra High Sands Vineyard is a source of pride for the estate, having been recognized as one of Young Gun of Wines' 2022 Top 50 Vineyards in Australia. Yangarra is an exceptional single-vineyard estate located in the esteemed Blewitt Springs subregion, situated at the northern edge of the McLaren Vale region in South Australia. The vineyard's unique combination of ancient geology, high altitude, and Mediterranean climate provides the perfect environment for cultivating the finest grape varieties of the southern Rhône. The estate's dedication to sustainable farming practices, including organic and biodynamic farming, ensures that the fruit is of the highest quality and truly reflects the terroir. The resulting wines are complex, elegant and expressive, showcasing the unique characteristics of the vineyard. Yangarra's commitment to producing exceptional wines solely from its single-vineyard estate has earned it a reputation as one of Australia's premier wineries. With a focus on Grenache and other Rhône varieties, the winery is dedicated to producing wines that are a true expression of the terroir. The wines are crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the fruit to shine through and speak for itself. The Yangarra Estate Hickinbotham Vineyard Grenache 2021 is a stunning wine that showcases the exceptional quality of the fruit from the Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard. The favourable growing season, with good winter rains, a mild flowering and fruit set period, and continued spring rainfall to ensure a healthy canopy, resulted in yields that showed good balance between vine vigor and moderate berry size. The ripening period that began late January was very cool, with some welcome rainfall in mid-February. The delayed harvest, with cold nights and mild sunny days, produced excellent fruit ripeness and intensity and the freshness and bright natural acidity of the fruit were a real feature. Hand-picked from the vineyard on the 23rd of March and selectively berry sorted, the grapes were 100% destemmed, crushed and tipped into 1800 L 'cocciopesto' stone egg-shaped amphoras. The fermentation occurred in the amphoras, with a gentle maceration of only wetting the cap. 69% remained on skins in the amphora for 198 days, resulting in a wine that is pure and unadulterated. No pressings are used in this wine, and it was matured exclusively in the amphora for a total of 13 months before being bottled in June 2022. In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby red, with aromas of plush dense red fruit, lavender, white pepper, sour cherries and Amaro bitters. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with a silky texture and crunchy tannins. The flavours of red fruit, sour cherries and Amaro bitters are complemented by notes of lavender and white pepper, leading to a long and satisfying finish.

96 points James Halliday: Deep crimson-purple; spice, tar, liquorice and sombre black fruits on the bouquet lead into an intense, full-bodied palate that catches you by surprise with its (relative) lightness of foot. Savoury tannins are there in abundance, as is French oak, but with sufficient protein on hand, you could enjoy a glass (possibly even two) of this wine. 94 points DMWP: This bold , dark and beautiful shiraz still retains a youthful purple edge. It has density, weight and depth in barrow loads. An amazing array of flavours including vanilla, cacao, the blackest of blackberry, dark chocolate, black olive, licorice, spice, and grainy, cedary tannin are easily identified in a big, big, wine. This will live for a very long time. It's a thumper! 92 points eRobert Parker: From a steep, rocky vineyard, the 2013 Hickinbotham Syrah is still quite stern and tannic. Hints of mint accent black cherry fruit in this full-bodied, concentrated wine that still needs a couple more years to come around.

Sharktooth is an apt name of this wonderfully balanced wine. Razor sharp flavours of dark mulberry and blackcurrant are sliced by a freshness and vibrancy not often seen in full-bodied wines from McLaren Vale. A supreme example of modern Australian red winemaking is on display here and despite the unctuous concentration this wine dances across the palate and leaves you with a delightful length of flavour.

In the glass the 2010 S has a black core with a deep red rim. There are elegant aromas of red black fruits, and spicy earthy notes with a hint of grilled meats, graphite and controlled oak. On the palate the fruit continues with rich plums, and blueberries and delicate spice and chocolate which all roll on to a juicy palate with fine tannins that go on ... and on. Smidge recommends drinking this wine betwen 2014 and 2030.

Wonderfully composed and sweetly fragrant, the wine shows mixed berry compote, Black Doris plum, cocoa and toasted nut characters on the nose with subtle spicy complexity. The palate is succulent and plush, offering excellent weight and fleshy mouthfeel, leading to an impressively long silky finish. Harmonious and immensely appealing. At its best: now to 2026.