Brash Higgins 2021 ‘GR/M’ Grenache/Mataro Biodynamic

Two parcels of Grenache and Mataro from a Biodynamically farmed site at Yangarra Estate in the distinctive sandy soils of Blewitt Springs along the upper ridges of the eastern flank of McLaren Vale nearing the Adelaide Hills. The fruit was hand-picked on the same day, destemmed at the winery and co-fermented using wild yeast in an open fermenter for 2 weeks. The 2020 vintage was a warm one, but low yielding, and overall excellent quality. Yangarra’s vineyard sits in the cooler Upper Sands part of Blewitt Springs. 15 months in trusty French puncheons further forged the fine red berry tones of Grenache (70%) with the savoury spice of Mataro (30%). 

Reviews:

“Lots of cherry, sarsaparilla, aniseed, coffee beans, dark chocolate, mint and cinnamon going on. Soft textured with a haze of silty tannin lending some shape, a bright, amaro-like pleasingly bitter finish also a feature. Between hello and goodbye, a sense of ripeness but good balance, plush, medium weight and a well-hewn mesh of the two varieties. Lovely stuff all up.” 93 pts, Mike Bennie, Wine Front, Aug.2024.

2021 GR/M Grenache/Mataro Biodynamic- “A mid to gently fuller weighted wine, quintessentially easy drinking while mercifully eclipsing the ‘chilled red’ category. An arid swathe of polished leather tannins compress strawberry coulis, root spice, dried thyme, anise and just a lick of menthol. Mataro’s ferrous dustiness, a welcome balancing act. This is a delicious wine, sitting on the precipice of something serious and an everyday swigger. It works either way. From biodynamically grown grapes.” 92 pts, Ned Goodwin, MW, JamesSuckling.com

Additional information
Harvest date: March 1, 2021
Handpicked
Vineyards: Upper Blewitt Springs Sand
1.5 tons Grenache
0.5 tons Mataro
Grower: Yangarra Estate, Blewitt Springs
Viticulture: Biodynamic Certified
Fermenter type: Open, wild yeast, co-ferment
Cap management: Hand plunged once to twice daily
Days on skins: 17
Time in oak: 15 months
Oak origin: French
Oak age: 100% 6 year 500L Puncheons
Bottling date: August 2, 2023
Closure: Stelvin +
pH 3.62, TA 6.5 g/L, alc 13.9%

Price: $35 per bottle