At a glance

Producer

Cedar Ember

Region

Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Aglianico

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$40

Tasting profile

Dark cherry and plum fruit with notes of leather, earth, and spice; mouthcoating tannins and bright acidity

Evolution: Tannins will soften and integrate; tertiary notes of tobacco, truffle, and dried herbs emerge over time

At peak: Rich complexity with balanced fruit and savory layers, silky texture and long finish

Structure

Acidity

High acidity providing good freshness and aging backbone

Tannins

Firm and well-structured, typical for Aglianico

Alcohol

14.5%

Aging potential

At least 10-15 years from vintage given producer quality and grape variety

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

Emerging maturity with excellent aging potential

Current condition

Drinking well now with structured tannins and vibrant acidity, will improve over coming years

Aglianico is a grape known for its sturdy tannins and natural acidity which develop beautifully over 10+ years. The 2018 vintage in Barossa offers ripe fruit combined with structure, allowing the wine to mature gracefully into a complex, harmonious expression by mid next decade.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, lamb, game, rich tomato-based dishes, aged cheeses, and mushroom risottos.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and open up complex aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Cedar Ember employs sustainable viticulture techniques including minimal chemical use, water conservation strategies, and solar energy powered winery operations

While not certified organic or biodynamic, the producer’s commitment to sustainable vineyard management combined with renewable energy use and water efficiency enhance the wine’s environmental credentials. Packaging uses recyclable materials. However, as an Australian wine exported globally, transportation contributes to carbon emissions.