Sangiovese Cabernet 2017 – Black Market Deal #58456

This blend combines the bright acidity and sour cherry characteristics of Sangiovese with the structured, dark fruit intensity of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The marriage creates a wine that offers both the food-friendly freshness typical of Italian varieties and the bold, full-bodied character that Australian Cabernet is renowned for. With several years of bottle age, these complementary varietals have integrated beautifully, developing complex savoury and earthy notes that neither grape would achieve alone.

After six years in bottle, this 2017 blend has evolved from its youthful fruit-forward character into a more sophisticated, mature wine. The aging process has softened the tannins while allowing secondary flavours to emerge, creating that distinctive 'aged' character with savoury and earthy complexity. This development is particularly valuable in red blends, where the different varietals integrate over time to create a more harmonious and complete wine experience.

McLaren Vale's Mediterranean climate and diverse soils provide excellent conditions for both Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region's warm days and cool sea breezes help maintain the bright acidity that makes Sangiovese so food-friendly, while the consistent warmth allows Cabernet to develop its characteristic structure and dark fruit intensity. The area's reputation for producing rich, full-bodied reds makes it a perfect match for this style of blend.

The combination of bright acidity from Sangiovese and robust tannins from Cabernet makes this wine incredibly versatile with food. It pairs beautifully with rich tomato-based dishes, grilled red meats, and aged cheeses where the wine's acidity cuts through richness while its full body matches the intensity of the food. The earthy, savoury notes that have developed with age also complement mushroom dishes and herb-crusted lamb perfectly.

This 2017 blend is drinking beautifully now, having reached that sweet spot where primary fruit flavours have integrated with developed secondary characteristics. The wine shows the mature, savoury complexity that comes with proper aging, making it perfect for immediate enjoyment. While it could potentially develop further, the current balance of fruit, structure, and aged character represents excellent drinking, especially considering the exceptional value it offers as a mature red.