Tempranillo 2018 – Black Market Deal #57569

This Adelaide Hills Tempranillo showcases the unique Australian expression of the variety, combining old-world structure with new-world fruit intensity. While maintaining the traditional acid and tannin backbone typical of Spanish Tempranillo, the cooler Adelaide Hills climate produces more vibrant blue and purple fruit flavours rather than the earthier, more austere profiles found in Rioja or Ribera del Duero. The distinctive cola note mentioned is a hallmark of quality Australian Tempranillo.

The cola note in Tempranillo is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when the grape's natural compounds interact during fermentation and ageing. This distinctive flavour comes from the combination of vanilla-like compounds, spice elements, and the grape's inherent cherry-cola characteristics. It's particularly pronounced in well-made Australian Tempranillo where the fruit ripeness is balanced with proper acidity, creating this unique and recognisable tasting note that wine enthusiasts have come to associate with quality expressions of the variety.

This textured, savoury Tempranillo pairs beautifully with grilled meats, particularly lamb with rosemary or beef with herbs that complement its herbaceous notes. The wine's blackberry and cocoa flavours make it excellent with aged cheeses, charcuterie, and dishes featuring mushrooms or roasted vegetables. The balanced acidity and tannin structure also make it versatile enough for tomato-based pasta dishes or Spanish-inspired cuisine like paella or chorizo.

At five years of age, this 2018 Tempranillo is entering its prime drinking window, where the initial fruit-forward character has integrated beautifully with the wine's structural elements. The tannins have softened while maintaining their backbone, and the earthy undertones have become more pronounced, adding complexity to the blue and purple fruit flavours. Tempranillo typically shows excellent development between 5-10 years, so this wine is perfectly positioned to showcase both youthful vibrancy and emerging maturity.

The Trophy for Best Tempranillo at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show represents peer recognition from industry professionals, indicating this wine stood out among all regional Tempranillo entries. Ken Gargett's 94-point rating from Wine Pilot reflects exceptional quality from an experienced critic who understands Australian wine. These accolades, combined with the 'Boutique Producer' designation, suggest this is a small-batch wine made with meticulous attention to detail, representing outstanding value and craftsmanship.