97 points - "This is about as fine as shiraz can get in the Vale, boasting filigreed tannins and such a natural sense of freshness that it whets the palate and makes one hungry at first sip. Northern Rhône-like scents of grilled meats, cloves, lilacs and Damson plums. A gentle cascade across the spicy framework to a long, immensely refined finish. All foudres vats, Austrian and French. Despite the full body, the wine is almost ethereal in the best sense, making for effortless drinking despite the profundity in the glass. This has such delicacy and cooler climatic tension to it that it is truly startling. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - Ned Goodwin (JamesSuckling.com)

95 points, "Deep and bright red-purple colour; the bouquet has a patina of meaty reduction at first, then terracotta earthiness, nicely ripe berry and plum aromas with it. The wine is intense and powerful, with a good backing of firm tannins which harmonise well, the finish long and balanced. Good now and has potential for the future." - Huon Hooke (Real Review)

95 points, "From Block 12 on a southeast-facing sandy ironstone outcrop; 15% whole bunches, the rest crushed; matured in French and Austrian foudre for 18 months. A very Rhône-like release this, with peppery spicing, blackberry pastille, moody blue florals, lavender, blueberry, cocoa powder and freshly ground star anise. The elegance here is admirable, with a tannin drive from front to back, and no sweet spot. A very fine release." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

93 points, "Black fruit, nori, black olives, spice and some floral notes. It’s medium to full-bodied, saline and savoury, but carries a plenty of black and blue fruit. The tannin is firm and dry, plenty of almost dusty grip here, and the finish is long (and dry) and laced with black olive and exotic spice. You have to like them pretty saline, that’s the caveat, though I’m very sensitive to that character in wine, but it’s a good and distinctive Shiraz. No doubt." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Royal Oaks of the King’s Wood were forests planted by monarchs to build elegant cathedrals and church naves. The beautiful old French oak in our foudre vessels helps us make elegant wine by gradually polishing and protecting the brightest, spiciest south facing Shiraz we grow at Yangarra.

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

Sourced exclusively from Block 12 (2.3 Ha) which sits on a southeast facing, ironstone sandy outcrop. Picked on the 25th March. 15% whole bunch, remaining selectively berry sorted and crushed. Open fermenters and on skins for approximately 20 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. Matured in French and Austrian oak for a total of 18 months. Kept on lees for 6 months in 25 hL French and Austrian oak foudre. Blended and further matured for 12 months in the same foudre. Bottled November 2023.