Payten & Jones, Valley Vignerons Sangiovese, 2018
Payten & Jones, Valley Vignerons Sangiovese, 2018
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 13.5%
- Sangiovese
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This Sangiovese offers vibrant cherry and raspberry flavors with a hint of earthiness. Originating from Payten & Jones' boutique vineyard in the Yarra Valley, it embodies their innovative approach to classic varietals.
This 2018 Sangiovese has reached its drinking window, with primary fruit now balanced by developing secondary characters. Over the next 3-4 years, expect the bright cherry flavours to integrate further with earthy, savoury elements whilst maintaining good acidity. The wine should hold its fruit concentration until around 2032, after which the earthy components will dominate and the structure may begin to soften significantly.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby red with garnet highlights at the rim.
NoseBright cherry and raspberry fruit dominates, supported by subtle earth and dried herb aromas. Light spice and a touch of violet emerge with aeration, alongside faint leather and tobacco leaf.
PalateFresh red fruit flavours carry through from the nose, with cherry and raspberry complemented by cranberry acidity. Mid-palate weight reveals earthy minerals and dried herbs, whilst fine-grained tannins provide structure without heaviness. The wine maintains brightness throughout.
FinishMedium length with lingering red fruit and a savoury, earthy conclusion.
Overall impressionA well-balanced cool-climate Sangiovese that captures varietal character whilst expressing Yarra Valley terroir.
Food Pairings
In the Yarra Valley, this style of Sangiovese pairs naturally with locally sourced game such as venison or rabbit, often slow-cooked with native herbs. The wine's acidity complements the region's artisan cheeses, particularly aged hard cheeses from local dairies. Valley restaurants frequently match similar wines with duck confit or wood-fired pizza topped with local mushrooms and herbs, taking advantage of the wine's ability to bridge rustic and refined flavours.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to showcase both fruit and earthiness without overwhelming the palate. Decanting for 30 minutes allows the wine to open up and integrate its components, though it's perfectly enjoyable straight from bottle. Use a medium-sized burgundy glass to concentrate the aromatics whilst providing adequate surface area for the wine to breathe.
The Yarra Valley's cool climate and varied soils provide ideal conditions for Sangiovese, allowing the variety to retain natural acidity whilst developing complexity. The region's diurnal temperature variation preserves bright fruit flavours while enabling gradual phenolic ripening. Clay-rich soils with good drainage encourage deep root development, contributing to the wine's earthy undertones and structured tannins.
The Yarra Valley sits east of Melbourne and is recognised as one of Australia's premier cool-climate wine regions. Established plantings date to the 1960s, though the area has gained particular recognition for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside alternative varieties like Sangiovese. The region's diverse microclimates and soil types allow winemakers to explore European varietals with distinctive Australian character, often producing wines with more vibrant fruit than their Old World counterparts.
The 2018 vintage in Yarra Valley began with a notably dry winter followed by below-average spring rainfall, setting up water stress concerns early in the season. However, well-timed February rains provided crucial relief just as veraison commenced, helping grapes achieve full phenolic ripeness without excessive sugar accumulation. The growing season concluded with warm, stable conditions through March and April, allowing for extended hang time and measured harvest decisions across the valley's diverse mesoclimates.
This vintage delivered wines of considerable elegance and restraint, particularly benefiting Yarra Valley's flagship varieties. Pinot Noir achieved excellent colour density with silky tannin structure, while Chardonnay displays mineral precision with well-integrated oak. The combination of early season stress and late-season reprieve created wines with concentrated flavours yet maintained the region's characteristic finesse. Most 2018 Yarra Valley wines are drinking beautifully now, though premium Pinot Noirs will reward cellaring for another 3-5 years, and the finest Chardonnays should evolve gracefully through 2030.
FAQs
How does Australian Sangiovese compare to Italian versions?
Australian Sangiovese, particularly from cool climates like the Yarra Valley, typically shows brighter fruit and higher natural acidity than many Italian examples. The wines often display more immediate approachability whilst maintaining the variety's characteristic savoury edge and medium body.
What food styles work best with this wine?
The wine's acidity and moderate tannins make it excellent with tomato-based dishes, grilled meats, and aged cheeses. Its earthy character particularly suits mushroom dishes, whilst the bright fruit complements herb-crusted lamb or pork.
Should I cellar this wine or drink it now?
This 2018 is drinking well now and will continue to develop favourably until 2032. While cellaring will add complexity, the wine's charm lies in its fresh fruit character, so extended aging beyond 6-7 years isn't necessary.
How does the Yarra Valley climate affect this wine's style?
The cool climate preserves natural acidity whilst allowing gradual ripening, resulting in wines with bright fruit character and good structure. This contrasts with warmer Australian regions that might produce riper, more concentrated styles.
What makes Payten & Jones distinctive as producers?
Their focus on alternative varieties like Sangiovese, combined with a boutique approach and innovative winemaking, sets them apart from larger Yarra Valley producers. They prioritise expressing terroir over following commercial trends.
Is this wine suitable for vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely. The wine's acidity and earthiness work beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, grilled vegetables, and pasta with herb or tomato sauces. Its medium weight won't overwhelm lighter vegetarian preparations.
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