Wirra Wirra Bekkers Clarendon Vineyard Syrah 2024
G 95
Sourced from a treasured Clarendon district vineyard in the highest northern corner of the McLaren Vale region, rejuvenated by Toby and Emmanuelle Bekkers in the past five years to its now celebrated status. Labelled as Syrah for its stylistic approach – uncommon in the region – there’s a minerally/crushed granite-like feel in the nasals, repeated in the palate with bright yet earthy and spicy Shiraz fruit holding its own with a grasp of fine French oak spice. Distinctive site reflection marks this as a quite – and quiet – considered expression. Drink now–2036 Yangarra Estate Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre 2024 G 95 67% Grenache, 17% Shiraz and 16% Mourvèdre, all varieties handled separately. 50% destemmed and 50% crushed. Matured in puncheons and foudre for 11 months. Fresh blueberries, bilberries and dark cherries. Some charcoal dust, clove and salted liquorice. Dewy fruit with elegant tannins across the palate; acidity keeps the wine fresh and juicy. This is a lovely demonstration of a wine that can be drunk on its own, would please a crowd and would complement almost any cuisine. A thoughtful and considered blend, showing its completion now and will age further, say, another 3–5 years. I suggest a summer afternoon bbq and a game of touch footy. Drink now–2030 Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2022 G 95 Grown on ironstone gravel soils, the fruit sees open fermenters and 21 days on skins before maturation in French and Austrian oak for 19 months. A shrub of black cherries, wild hawthorn, and mulberries meets olive flecks, woodsy herbs, and crushed black peppercorns. There’s a sliver of purple flowers and dots of pen ink. The palate is buoyant, lifted by lively acidity, which gives way to well-integrated oak and whole-bunch tannins. This sits in the sweet spot of a Venn diagram – moderate- climate Shiraz with Syrah-like spice and herbal lift. It’s drinking beautifully now, but it’s been crafted with a long view, promising further reward over the next 5 to 8 years. A glass or two alongside the chew and game of lamb cutlets would be just the thing. Drink now–2033 Yanarra Kings Wood Shiraz 2023 G 95 Twenty per cent whole bunch, open fermenters, and 20 days on skins. Basket pressed and matured in a combination of French and Austrian oak foudres for 16 months. What I love about this wine is the teetering balance between black cherry fruit and olive grove spice. It wavers like a bubble on a spirit level; poised, with neither side tipping the equilibrium. There’s plum skin and mulberry juice, too, layered with notes of coffee grinds and charcoal embers. The palate is silky and lithe, driven by mid-palate energy and a smoothness whipped into a quiet frenzy by dusty tannins so fine you’ll question their presence, yet they linger in shadowy glory, ensuring this wine continues to evolve for the next 6 to 8 years. That said, it’s drinking beautifully now and would shine alongside any slow-cooked beef cut, especially with a red wine jus and chewy mushrooms. Drink now–2033
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | McLaren Vale
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