2024 Yangarra Estate Vineyard Ovitelli Grenache 750ml

Overview

Named the 2027 Grenache of the Year and awarded 98 points by Halliday Wine Companion, Yangarra Ovitelli Grenache is a remarkably perfumed and elegant expression of old-vine Blewitt Springs Grenache.

The fruit comes from Yangarra’s dry-grown Block 30 bush vines, planted in 1946 on deep weathered sands beside the celebrated High Sands block. Fermentation, extended skin contact and maturation take place exclusively in ceramic eggs, preserving the vineyard’s vibrant fruit while building exceptionally fine tannins, savoury detail and a luxurious texture.

Critical Acclaim

• 98 Points & 2027 Grenache of the Year – Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion
• 97 Points – Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

This is up there with the best Ovitellis, so fragrant and savoury, so much more enchanting on day two, and even more so days three and four.

This is a super wine. Drink now – 2044.

Tasting Notes

Highly aromatic and finely detailed, with dried cranberry, red cherry, pomegranate and dehydrated orange peel accompanied by pressed wildflowers. Rose, musk, wild fennel and delicate Indian spice add further complexity.

The palate is poised and transparent rather than heavy, combining vibrant old-vine fruit with fine, chewy and layered tannins. Extended skin contact brings savoury depth and textural precision, while freshness carries the wine through a spectacularly long finish.

Vineyard

Ovitelli is sourced from the 2-hectare Block 30 at Yangarra’s single-vineyard estate in Blewitt Springs. These vase-shaped, unirrigated Grenache bush vines were planted in 1946 on deep weathered sands over the ancient North Maslin Sands geological formation, at approximately 205 metres above sea level.

Yangarra Estate is a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard specialising in southern Rhône varieties. Its elevated position, ancient geology, sandy and ironstone-rich soils and maritime influence produce wines of exceptional perfume, freshness and natural tannin detail.

Vintage

A normally wet winter was followed by a picturesque dry spring. Unexpected rainfall during December and January supported bunch and berry development, before warm conditions through February and early March encouraged balanced flavour and sugar ripeness. The concentrated harvest period delivered expressive fruit with excellent vitality.

Winemaking

The hand-picked Grenache Noir was selectively berry sorted, destemmed and crushed before being transferred into 675-litre ceramic eggs. Fermentation occurred naturally in ceramic with gentle hand plunging, followed by approximately three months of skin contact.

No pressings were included. The wine was matured without oak, remaining exclusively in ceramic for a total of 11 months before bottling. It is certified organic and biodynamic.

Wine Details

• Producer: Yangarra Estate Vineyard
• Winemaker: Guillaume Gamougrand
• Region: Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale
• Vintage: 2024
• Variety: 100% Grenache Noir
• Vineyard: Block 30
• Vine Age: Planted in 1946
• Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic
• Alcohol: 14%
• pH: 3.52
• Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
• Maturation: 11 months exclusively in ceramic eggs
• Oak: None
• Cellaring: Drink now through 2044

Food Pairing

Pair with roast duck, lamb shoulder, grilled quail, mushroom dishes, chargrilled vegetables or Mediterranean cuisine scented with herbs and warm spices.