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.

Bright red and dark berries shape the palate, lifted by a ripple of spice and the natural generosity of the varieties. The fruit sits plush and mouthfilling, but the structure stays firm enough to keep everything in line. Soft tannins and a gentle warmth round it out, giving the wine an easy sense of flow. Bold, balanced and thoroughly crowd pleasing, it hits the sweet spot between richness and drinkability.

Drink : Now - 2030

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.

The Limestone Coast has a knack for turning out cabernet with polish, Coonawarra is a sub-region here after all. From an excellent vintage, this gorgeous release is vibrant, fruit-driven, and packed with purity - a cabernet that proves elegance doesn’t mean lacking flavour. A medium-to-full-bodied cabernet loaded with red currant, cherry, and a hint of dark chocolate. Smooth, elegant, and ready to drink now - with a decade of life ahead. The palate is round and plush, carrying those berry flavours on fine, silky tannins. Oak plays a subtle, but important, supporting role, neatly integrated and never overdone. It’s a stylish cabernet, and it's drinking beautifully right now, but if you’re patient, it’ll keep evolving over the next ten years or so. Whether you’re cracking it midweek or stashing a few for the cellar, this one nails that balance of immediate enjoyment and future reward.

Polish Hill proves, yet again, that it produces the most age-worthy riesling in the country (if not the world). The nose is alive with green apple, jasmine florals and zesty lime, with a flinty mineral edge that sets the tone. On the palate, it’s taut and vibrant – layers of kaffir lime, citrus rind and Granny Smith apple carried on a cool, slatey minerality. Clare Valley riesling, firing on all cylinders.

Drink : Now - 2038

From internationally renowned producer, Credaro, this bright and vivacious grigio is more than just a welcome guest at the party, it IS the party. Hot days and warm nights for call for good company, good food and a good bottle of grigio. A natural citrus-like acidity creates a launching point for a swirl of green fruits (think fresh apple and crunchy pear) and zesty minerality. Classically grigio in every way but extremely modern in its vibrancy and youthful flare. An extremely versatile wine that, as we said, is best enjoyed with friends and family, out of an esky, looking at a sunset but if we're being honest, it also works great at home and after sun-down. In the words of the immortal Shakira, "Wherever, whenever".