Best of the Black Market Unwrapped : Mixed Edition

This is Hunter Valley shiraz in its base form. If anyone does a good Hunter shiraz (and they do), it's Brokenwood. Medium-to-full-bodied, savoury-leaning and built on balance rather than brute force - exactly how the region likes it. It’s drinking beautifully now, but there’s no rush. Give it time and it’ll reward you with even more nuance and polish. A top vintage, serious vineyard credentials and a shiny gold medal to back it up - this is proper Hunter shiraz for people who actually like Hunter shiraz. Perfect with duck, veal, or a good wedge of cheese and zero distractions.

This is Barossa shiraz possessing both muscle and manners. Deeply coloured, seriously expressive and stacked with medals and awards, it comes from a prime Western Ridge patch that consistently delivers the goods. Structure, balance and confidence. No tricks. Just a seriously well-made shiraz that hits the brief beautifully. As soon as you pop the top, the aromatics set the tone straight away. Blackberry and dark cherry lead, followed by black olive, baking spice and a savoury edge that keeps things interesting. French oak is there, but it’s tucked in neatly - adding shape and subtle toast without getting in the way. On the palate, it’s full-flavoured but controlled. Rich fruit runs deep, tannins are firm yet silky, and everything flows into a long, composed finish that hangs around in the best way. It’s drinking beautifully now with a bit of air, but there’s plenty under the hood if you feel like laying it down. Great wine.

You're going to know this producer, they're one of the greats... These grapes, grown in the world-renowned terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, have all the classic flavours you’d expect, and then some! Cassis and eucalypt define the palate, with the potential for a great many years ageing - if you can be bothered! We're loving ours just how it is right now.
These guys were established in 1908 - a pioneering winery of Coonawarra. Still family owned, they pride themselves on the amazing wines they’re making today with the benefit of four generations of know-how. This 2022 release lands with intent - all blackcurrant depth, graphite edge and a cool flicker of that minty, eucalypt that helps define the region. There’s structure here, but also grace: tight, fine tannins wrapping around a juicy, perfectly ripened core. French oak plays its part quietly, adding texture and shape without stealing the spotlight. When should you drink this wine? Every, damn, day!

This is the kind of thing we've come to expect from this producer - and by that we mean, really, really, really, good wine. The bouquet absolutely leaps out the glass - packed with forest fruits, blueberry, raspberry, mulberry, cherry, plum creating vibrant, refreshing aromatics. Spice plays an equally important role with cacao, dried herbs and lavender adding that necessary savoury touch. Delicate thyme, sage, violet notes weave throughout creating complexity without overwhelming the primary fruit. The palate shows same vibrant nature but cranks elegance and softness higher. Array of flavours poised in great balance - fruit sweetness and savoury structure complementing rather than competing. Seductive generosity gets tamed by precise acidity with plenty of texture threading through. Layered yet straightforward in generosity and fruit presence, forest berries and forest floor hints support fine but very present structure.

Drink : Now - 2032

Five generations of expert winemaking have led up to this moment - and honestly, it shows. This chardonnay is the liquid equivalent of a high-five that just hits PERFECT. This isn’t your nana’s 1970's chardy. It’s modern, mineral, and utterly drinkable, yet rich. A reminder that five generations of experience can still make a wine that feels fresh, fun, and ready for anything. Grab a bottle, get in the fridge, and toast to 150 years of know how! The nose is initially bright, bold, and fruit-forward in all the right ways. It's all about juicy white stone fruit and melon doing hitting that balance with roasted cashew, nougat, and a sprinkle of sweet spice from some seriously thoughtful oak work. It’s elegant, but not shy. Then there’s the palate - fresh as a sea breeze and just as invigorating. That grapefruit zing keeps things zippy, while a delicate, talcy texture and a good lick of oak adds a little luxury to every sip. Stone fruit glides through the mid-palate with just the right amount of generosity and depth. It’s all beautifully balanced - rich enough to impress, bright enough to keep you coming back for “just one more taste.”

Your new favourite summer smasher is here... and it's got some serious pedigree! From one of the most respected producers in the Barossa off one the oldest muscat blanc vines in the country (not to be confused with sticky wines called 'muscat') - this is a dry, bright, light, zippy wine that's as refreshing as it is alluring! This one’s built on some seriously old bones. We’re talking 95% Barossa muscat blanc à petits grains from vines pushing 170 years (yep, oldest in the country), with a splash of sauvignon blanc (5%) thrown in to dial up the aromatics. Old vines, young attitude - this is all about drinking it fresh and lively. The nose keeps things clean and subtle: soft yellow fruits, a flick of grassiness and just enough intrigue to pull you in. Then the palate kicks on. Zippy lemon and lime lead the charge, backed by hints of pineapple, ginger and a gentle tropical whisper. The acidity is crisp and refreshing, keeping everything tight, juicy and dangerously easy to drink. Youthful, vibrant and bursting with flavour - proof that even 170-year-old vines can still party.