97 points – “From original ‘46 vines next to the High Sands block. The ‘23 grenache wines are very pale in the glass, and they are all a degree lighter in alcohol due to the cool year (one I love). A vintage like this really illustrates the kinship with the avant-garde grenache of Gredos, and with Barbaresco, and refined Etna Rosso (Girolamo Russo in particular), rather than almost anything from the Rhône. Savoury, dried red fruits, cranberry, cherry and redcurrant, warm terracotta, bergamot, potpourri, sumac, ground cinnamon, star anise, so tightly coiled, but also tensile, finely expansive in its flavour delivery. There’s tension aplenty, and it promises to unfurl over a long life. Superb.” – Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points – “Pale in appearance. The nose gives lifted aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, sweet spices and orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of dark cherries, dried herbs and cocoa. Exceptionally lifted and fresh. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” – Ryan Montgomery (JamesSuckling.com)

96 points - "Brilliant Grenache which comes from a block adjacent to the High Sands block and planted in 1946. It’s made using ceramic eggs with hand plunging and extended time on skins. In the end no pressings were added and no oak used. Has a thoroughly delightful mouthfeel and reveals freshness and vibrancy with a fine chalky thread adding support. Sustained finish with a lovely light red fruit lift." - Ray Jordan (Wine Pilot)

96 points - "100% Grenache taken from Block 30 – 2 hectares planted in 1946 and adjacent to the High Sands block. Another McLaren Vale Grenache that elicits excitement for the grape and place. This is impressive in its balance of brightness and perfume while still wonderfully cerebral and complex. Lifted aromas of sweet raspberry compote, macerated strawberry and red liquorice lead before a cut of white pepper spice acts as a savoury foil. Very pretty and seductively perfumed. There’s a warm sand note beneath which is a common note of high quality modern day McLaren Vale Grenache (almost too obvious a note given the sandy soils) some dried garrigue adding further savouriness, dried cranberry, black tea. There’s a distinct river stone minerality shooting through its centre, too. This is very pretty, though not at the expense of immense depth and intrigue. The palate is racy, mineral, cool and lifted with pretty pops of raspberry, red apple flesh, cranberry, and red rose crunched within a vein of powder-coated tannins and fresh acidity with the sand and dried herb notes lingering beneath. The finish is long and crunchy with red apple skin tension and red liquorice appeal. An ethereal Ovitelli Grenache from the cool 2023 vintage." - Tom Kline (Wine Pilot)

95 points – “Bright ruby and purple in the glass. Raspberry, crushed terracotta and dried woody herb aromatics. Palate sings with fresh, just-picked raspberry fruits, as that sweet core evolves we see dusty earth, anise and dried rosemary notes build along the line. Tannins are powerful with a fine grained texture, driving the length and ensuring it builds power right to the finish.” – Stuart Knox (The Real Review)

95 points – “The 2023 Grenache Ovitelli is stunning. This has wonderful purity of energetic red cherry, dried herb and subtle meaty tones. Savory complexity builds on a textural palate while holding impressive composure through to a finish of serious length accented by a twist of tannins.” – Angus Hughson (Vinous)

Ovitelli is the most perfumed and elegant Grenache from the sands at Yangarra. Sourced from a single block, the vibrant fruit of those dry grown 1946 bush vines is rewarded with a long, luxurious ferment and a whole autumn on skins in big ceramic eggs.

2023 VINTAGE SUMMARY

The growing season began with significantly higher than average rainfall. The cool, wet conditions continued through Spring, setting us up for balanced canopies and lower yields. La Niña weather patterns forecasted cooler temperatures and continued rainfall for harvest. We were able to enhance vineyard practices such as shoot thinning and leaf removal to promote airflow, reduce mildew and increase sun exposure to bunches. From our experience, a cold vintage in a warm region can produce some of the best wines. Due to the cultural practices implemented, we were able to pick the majority of the vineyard in a three-week window prior to Easter, completed in early April. Wines produced from this vintage will be some of the prettiest and most delicate from the Estate.

WINEMAKING

Sourced from Block 30 - 2.0 Ha, planted in 1946 and adjacent to the High Sands block. Hand-picked 20th March and selectively berry sorted. 100% destemmed, crushed and tipped into 675L ceramic eggs with gentle hand plunging. The fermentation occurred in the ceramic and remained on skins for approximately 7 months. No pressings are used in this wine. No oak, matured exclusively in ceramic for a total 11 months. Bottled February 2024. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.