Shiraz 2017 – Black Market Deal #40278

This wine showcases the distinctive power and concentration that Barossa Valley is renowned for, thanks to its warm climate and ancient soils. The use of 30% new French oak adds sophisticated cedar notes while allowing the fruit to shine through. Being from old vines and a single vineyard, it delivers the complexity and depth that serious collectors seek, with exceptional ageing potential of another decade.

The 2017 vintage in Barossa was excellent, producing wines with ideal ripeness and natural acidity balance. After six years of bottle development, this Shiraz has reached its first drinking window where the tannins have softened and secondary flavours are emerging. The vintage's quality means this wine will continue evolving gracefully, developing more savoury and earthy complexity over the next ten years.

The wine's rich blackberry and plum flavours, combined with spice and cedar notes, make it perfect for robust dishes like grilled lamb, beef steaks, or slow-cooked game meats. The full-bodied structure and oak integration also complement aged cheeses and charcuterie beautifully. For vegetarian options, try it with mushroom-based dishes or grilled eggplant with herbs.

Black Market deals allow premium wineries to offer their wines at significantly reduced prices without affecting their regular retail relationships or brand positioning. This arrangement benefits wine lovers who get access to high-quality wines from established producers at exceptional value. The mystery element adds excitement, but the 90-point ratings and single vineyard credentials guarantee you're getting a serious wine.

Store the wine in a cool, dark place at around 12-15°C to preserve its ageing potential over the next decade. Serve at 16-18°C to allow the full-bodied character and complex aromatics to express themselves properly. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving will help open up the wine's layers of blackberry, chocolate, and spice, especially given its current six-year maturity.