The Ironheart is so named for the reddish ironstone gravel soil in the middle of the Blewitt Springs vineyard. Unlike the western side of the vineyard, ironstone is all but exposed save for some small patches of sandy clay or loam.

‘As a young wine, the typical dark fruit aromas are elusive, but on the palate, the power and concentration of the fruit unfold, with big soft tannins so typical from this site, and the iron-like sanguine finish. A wine made to sustain the years ahead.’
Peter Fraser, Yangarra winemaker.

There are 100 hectares of vineyards at Yangarra divided into 35 individual blocks. The fruit for the Ironheart is sourced from Block 18, a mere 1.8 hectares of what the winery describes as their ‘most elite Shiraz’ vines and produces wines of power, elegance and longevity. So very clearly inspired by the wines of the Rhône.

Vinification

Hand-picked (21st March), 20% whole bunches, and the remainder has been destemmed, mechanical berry sorted, 30% whole berries and 50% crushed. Open fermenters and on skins for approximately 21 days. A gentle maceration principle of wetting the cap and only draining and returning when reductive. Wild yeast ferment. No pressings are used in this wine. Kept on lees for 16 months in 1 year old foudre. Bottled November 2021. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.

Vintage Notes

The growing season was affected by a very hot spring, leading to the lowest yields on record. As the grapes started their ripening process the weather miraculously cooled to a very mild ripening season. This resulted in wonderful concentration of flavour, retention of natural acidity and brightness of fruit, but above all, beautiful finesse, and balanced tannins.

Region Notes

Yangarra is a single-vineyard estate situated in Blewitt Springs, at the northern edge of the McLaren Vale region, South Australia. Yangarra’s combination of ancient geology, high altitude and Mediterranean climate provide the ideal growing conditions for the best grape varieties of the southern Rhône.

Winemakers Comments

Ironheart is the flagship Shiraz from our single vineyard estate in Blewitt Springs at the northern edge of McLaren Vale. The vineyard’s northern aspect, higher elevation and sandy ironstone soils produce Shiraz with immense concentration and finesse.