Yangarra Hickinbotham Grenache 2022

96 POINTS – THE REAL REVIEW, Stuart Knox
“Bright, crystalline ruby red in the glass. Lift of raspberry and rose petal, hint of dry soil on the nose. Palate Is medium weighted with slippery red berry fruits and a subtle dried herbal undertone. Well-framed tannins ensure it carries and drives with focus and tension and the finish is remarkable in its length and detail.”

From a site whose slopes are steeped in rich history, we source this Grenache from unirrigated bush vines planted in 1962 on the Hickinbotham Clarendon vineyard. Its distinctive fruit is nurtured with a gentle wild fermentation and matured in grand cocciopesto amphorae. Capturing a contrasting expression of detailed perfume and a loose knit weave of tannins.

VINTAGE SUMMARY

The 2022 growing season followed very similar conditions to 2021, though slightly cooler. There were favourable winter rains and a mild flowering and fruit set period. The cool ripening period took place between late January through to harvest in March. Yields were well balanced, and we were pleased with the fruit ripeness, intensity, freshness, and natural acidity.

WINEMAKING

Hand-picked on the 19th and 22nd of March and selectively berry sorted. 100% destemmed, crushed and tipped into 1800 L cocciopesto stone amphorae. The fermentation occurred in the amphorae, a gentle maceration of only wetting the cap. The wine remained on skins in amphora for approximately 150 days. No pressings are used in this wine. Matured in amphora for a total of 15 months. Bottled June 2023.

*this wine is not certified ACO Organic & Biodynamic