Cinquecento Sangiovese - 2023

96 Points
This is a departure from iterations prior. It was a cool year, but it feels more than that. Either way, this is a delight. So fragrant, so refined and engaging, scented with classic cherry notes, and a panoply of them – glossy red and sour and dried and preserved … Mediterranean herbs, warm terracotta, dried cranberry and orange, clove and caraway. Effortless of feel, fine-boned, weightless even, but with fruit purity and inherent power coupled to a sapid and savoury drive of acidity and proper tannin, this is absolutely stunning.
Marcus Ellis, Wine Companion, November 2024

93 Points
I’m guessing that the name here has something to do with 500 years, but given my Spanish is truly appalling, who knows. I will confess to telling friends that I do ‘hablar poco Espanol’, but only because a friend taught me that to get around any Spanish speaking country, all I needed was ‘tu mas hermosa chica toda el mundo’. No idea what it means, but it seems to work. I digress. Sangiovese certainly has not been grown here for 500 years (subsequent research revealed that the wine is actually named after the 500 metre rows from which the grapes are harvested so please ignore the previous ramblings). Sangiovese has a rather checkered history here, but when done right, as we find here with this fine McLaren Vale example, it can be delicious drinking. Under diam. The oak employed here is older oak, 75% French and the rest American, for fourteen months. Bright garnet, the nose opens with notes of sour cherries and tomato bushes. We have dried herbs and red fruits, notably raspberries. A pleasing Sangiovese which meets varietal expectations. It lifts further on the palate, with vibrant acidity, freshness and a lingering finish. Definitely one to try. Expect it to drink beautifully for at least the next half a dozen years. One of the very best local Sangiovese I have seen for some time and a wine which will continue to improve and excite. 
Ken Gargett, Winepilot, January 2025

Bronze Medal
2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show

BUY CINQUECENTO SANGIOVESE