McLaren Vale's reputation for producing premium and ultra-premium Grenache continues to strengthen following Yangarra Estate Vineyard's 2016 High Sands Grenache taking home the 2020 Halliday Wine of the Year award.

The High Sands Grenache is the pinnacle wine in Yangarra’s southern Rhône-inspired portfolio and is sourced from a 1.7-hectare block that sits at the highest elevation on the 90-hectare organically and biodynamically farmed estate vineyard - the ‘high sands’ block. These gnarly bush vines were planted in 1946 and are dry-grown in North Maslin White Sands that date back over 50 million years.

Crafted by lauded Yangarra Estate winemaker Peter Fraser, the High Sands Grenache is wild yeast fermented and matured for 11 months in 100 per cent French oak. The Yangarra team describes the High Sands as “our grail”, saying it beautifully captures the essence of the prized old vines from which the Grenache fruit is harvested. The wine, which retails from the cellar door for $150 a bottle, received 99 points from James Halliday in addition to the Wine of the Year nod.

If you’re thinking of grabbing a bottle of this award-winning drop to see what all the fuss is about, unfortunately you may be out of luck with supplies at the winery having sold out. But, Yangarra Brand Manager Penny Lamb has shared the hot tip that the Salopian Inn and The Victory Hotel are two local restaurants that may have a very small supply. Otherwise, keep an eye out for the 2017 High Sands Grenache, to be released in May 2020.  

Yangarra Estate winemaker Peter Fraser is no stranger to prestigious wine accolades. In 2016, James Halliday named him “Winemaker of the Year” and last year, the 2015 High Sands Grenache was awarded Halliday’s top wine in the “Other Red” category. Additionally, Peter was a finalist for Gourmet Traveller Wine’s 2017 Winemaker of the Year and was the only Australian winemaker nominated for “Winemaker of the Year” in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s annual Wine Star Awards in 2018. He agrees there is something special about the High Sands.

“Since my first vintage at Yangarra, the Grenache from this block has always shown remarkable character,” Peter explains. 

“We released the first vintage of High Sands in 2005 and I’ve always felt it was an exceptional wine. 

“Grenache is grabbing the attention of the wine community for its ability to show a true sense of place and its subtleties in the winemaking.” 

Only 6.15 per cent of the vines in the McLaren Vale region are planted with Grenache. The premium and ultra premium examples come from small pockets of well-tended vineyards spread throughout the region.

McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association General Manager, Jennifer Lynch, was thrilled the award had thrust a spotlight on a McLaren Vale winery and winemaker, and an often overlooked varietal.

"Our region’s Grenache history dates back to the 1800s so it is incredibly exciting to note Halliday's Wine of the Year has been awarded to a Grenache wine and to one of our region’s most passionate Grenache stalwarts – Yangarra Estate and winemaker Peter Fraser are deserving recipients,” Jennifer says.

McLaren Vale will host the third annual James Halliday Grenache Challenge in September. Entries are now open and will close on September 6, with prizes to be announced on November 1. Visit mclarenvale.info/JHGC for details.