Shiraz 2017 - Black Market Deal #58346

This wine was crafted specifically with cellaring in mind, and after seven years of careful ageing, it's hitting its optimal drinking window. The fruit remains remarkably fresh while developing complex secondary characteristics like leather, wet earth and game notes. The stelvin closure has preserved the wine's integrity beautifully, allowing the dense fruit to be perfectly framed by maturity without being overwhelmed.

The Pyrenees region's cool climate conditions are particularly suited to creating elegant, age-worthy Shiraz with excellent fruit retention. This cooler environment allows for slower ripening, which develops the complex flavour profile of blueberries, black cherries, and sweet spice while maintaining natural acidity. The region's terroir contributes to the wine's ability to develop those distinctive eucalyptus and liquorice notes that complement the primary fruit.

A 96-point Parker rating places this Shiraz in the 'extraordinary' category, indicating exceptional complexity, balance and ageing potential. Parker's scoring system particularly values wines that demonstrate both power and finesse, which this Shiraz achieves through its full-bodied structure and lasting finish. The rating also reflects the wine's remarkable ability to maintain fresh fruit characteristics while developing sophisticated secondary flavours.

The wine's rich fruit compote character and oaky vanilla notes make it perfect for grilled red meats, particularly lamb with rosemary or beef with pepper crusts. The liquorice and sweet spice elements pair beautifully with game meats like venison or duck, while the eucalyptus notes complement herb-crusted dishes. Aged hard cheeses would also work wonderfully, as they echo the wine's own maturity and complexity.

Stelvin closures (screw caps) provide a more consistent seal than cork, preventing oxidation and cork taint that can ruin aged wines. For this cool climate Shiraz, the stelvin closure has allowed the wine to age gracefully while preserving the vibrant fruit characteristics that might have been lost with cork. This technical choice demonstrates the winemaker's commitment to ensuring the wine reaches its full potential after years of cellaring.