Best of the Black Market: Unwrapped

This is Barossa shiraz with brains as well as brawn - nothing overdone, just flavour that feels both powerful and controlled. Smoothness, complexity and depth all wrapped up in a velvety package. There’s opulence, fruit weight, fine tannins and a hell of a long finish on this one. Halliday’s already dropped 95 points on it - we’ll just say it straight: this is utterly delicious. Classic single vineyard Barossa shiraz made from old vines on the western ridge of the valley. Plum, mulberry and clove jump out of the glass upon first whiff. The palate expands even further with vanilla, liquorice, dark chocolate and graphite. The mix of seasoned American and French oak in the maturation has given rise to a mix of sweet spices, vanilla bean and roasted coffee notes that accentuate the high-toned fragrance of the already beautiful shiraz fruit from some seriously kick ass growers. Shiraz lovers, eat your heart out.

This is a really big deal - 95 points from Halliday Wine Companion for an Australian Malbec is extraordinary - although not unexpected. Boysenberry, wild raspberry and prune plums reveal themselves slowly, backed by cardamom and dark chocolate spice. Deceptive in its exotic persona but built with serious structure to go the distance. Halliday describes it perfectly: "You need to peer into the depth of this wine to slowly unveil it." A swift decant helps reveal the complexity hiding within. Boysenberry, wild raspberry and prune plums provide the fruit foundation, while a plethora of spice adds intrigue. There's a snap of dark chocolate weaving through violet aromatics with mahogany, leather and cigar box nuances. A second sip will reveal even more layers: wild raspberry, red cherry and blackcurrant backed by hibiscus florals, minerality, and earthy complexity. The palate delivers perky acidity and dusty, well-integrated tannins with a sappy, raspberry lolly character that keeps drawing you back. In short: we're obsessed.

Comprising of 56% grenache, 38% shiraz and a 6% splash of mataro, expect a plush and fruit forward, medium bodied GSM that is hard not to enjoy. Floral aromatics give way to subtle hints of spice and a minty kick which provides a savoury framing to its dense fruit core.

Barossa Valley’s 2021 vintage displayed such a consistent fruit set that it has gone down as one of the best years in recent memory. Even affordable ‘entry level’ wines (in the hands of skilled winemakers, of course) showcased stunning personality and drive. At this pricepoint, you can crack open a bottle on any night of the week, for any reason and know you’ll be swept up in all the deliciousness and feel very spoilt. Go on, you deserve it.

This is Yarra Valley chardonnay that's as generous as it is sophisticated... Grapefruit, nuts, lemon pith, oak and lanolin all greet you before the wine has even touched your lips. The palate goes to another level of complexity, trying to pick individual notes is like picking individual voices in a choir. And why should we? If the song sounds good, let 'em sing - and the wine is certainly singing now. The Yarra Valley has long provided some of the finest chardonnays made in this country, and this recent release - young though it may be - reinforces that reputation emphatically. This is seriously impressive stuff with an exciting future ahead. Instantly identifiable as Yarra chardonnay, the wine is concentrated and elegant and energetic and mouth-filling, all at the same time. It speaks of place, and you could do much worse than speak about the gorgeous vineyards of the Yarra Valley and it's many surrounding hills. This place has been pumping out some of the best chardonnays in the country for a very long time - just check Halliday's Chardonnay Challenge!

Clare Valley riesling proves, again, that it's one of the best 'bang for your buck' wines in the world, yep, seriously. Packed full of distinctive regional qualities: lemon-lime cordial, orange blossom, zippy acidity and that slaty mineral note we all know and love - this is an absolute winner. Right in the sweet spot. On the spectrum of Clare riz, this sits bang in the middle, 'the goldilocks zone', so to speak. The acid is prevalent, but not too austere. The fruit is developed, but not overly rich. The mineral aspects are refreshing, but not spritzy. It's the kind of wine you can show to anyone, but far from boring. A fresh, dry and completely delicious bottle of rizza that'll have you reaching for another glass quicker than you think. A little dangerous in that regard. Drink now or have a look in 5 years.

If you don't know the Redman name then it is our absolute pleasure to be able to introduce you to what is, inarguably, one of Australia's best value wineries. The quality of wines coming out of this special little place punch far above their weight and can absolutely hold their own with some of the biggest names in the Coonawarra. This cabernet merlot is a mastery of understatement, well-balanced, with ripe fruit, regional minty notes and soft tannins, it might well be the dark horse of this entire case. A real desert island type wine, you'd have no worries having a couple of glasses of this each day for the rest of your life.