Saffron Vale Inlet Ciliegiolo 2021
Saffron Vale Estate · Margaret River, Australia
At a glance
- Producer
- Saffron Vale Estate
- Region
- Margaret River, Australia
- Grape variety
- Ciliegiolo
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Earthy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $45-$60
Tasting profile
Bright red cherry, herbs, subtle spice, and earthy notes with fresh acidity.
Evolution: Develops into complex forest floor, leather, and dried fruit nuances with bottle aging.
At peak: Balanced complexity with silky tannins, integrated oak, and prolonged finish.
Structure
- Acidity
- Moderate to high
- Tannins
- Medium, fine-grained
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
- Aging potential
- 8-12 years
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2026 to 2030
- Optimal window
- 2024 to 2032
- Current status
- Approaching early maturity
- Current condition
- Fruit-forward with developing complexity; tannins integrating well
The 2021 vintage in Margaret River was warm and dry, producing ripe, expressive fruit with structured tannins and good acidity, conducive to cellaring 8-12 years. The balance of acidity and tannin, combined with favorable vintage quality, indicates the best drinking window from mid-2020s to early 2030s.
Food pairing
Pairs well with roast lamb, grilled mushrooms, aged cheeses, and Mediterranean herb dishes.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow aromatics to open and soften tannins for better palate integration.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Uses water-efficient irrigation, solar power for winery operations, minimal chemical intervention, and responsible waste management.
Saffron Vale Estate practices environmentally responsible farming in the Margaret River region, focusing on sustainability with certifications and energy conservation efforts. The wine’s local Australian distribution mitigates excessive transport emissions relative to imports.