The 2022 vintage marks a significant milestone as it's the first wine produced in Ben Murray's brand new, state-of-the-art winery facility. This technological upgrade has allowed the winemaker to better express the exceptional fruit quality from their Marananga vineyards. The combination of new equipment and traditional 'hand-made, slow and gentle' philosophy has resulted in what critics are calling the finest Black Market Shiraz release to date, earning dual 96-point scores from respected wine critics.

Marananga sits in the western sub-region of the Barossa Valley, which is renowned Australia-wide for producing exceptional Shiraz. The area's deep, rich soils are interspersed with limestone slabs, creating perfect drainage and mineral complexity that Shiraz vines thrive in. This terroir contributes to the wine's full-bodied character and intense flavour concentration, allowing the blackberry, dark chocolate, and mocha notes to develop their distinctive depth and complexity.

Ben Murray's 'hand-made, slow and gentle' approach might seem contradictory to the powerful, full-bodied wines he produces, but this methodology is actually key to their success. Gentle handling preserves the delicate aromatics while slow fermentation allows for maximum colour and tannin extraction without harshness. This patient approach results in wines that combine power with elegance, creating the rich, complex flavour profile that has earned this Shiraz such high critical acclaim.

The wine's rich blackberry fruit, dark chocolate undertones, and mocha complexity make it an ideal match for robust, flavourful dishes. Think grilled red meats, particularly lamb with rosemary or beef with pepper crusts, where the wine's full body can stand up to strong flavours. The chocolate and mocha notes also complement dishes with earthy mushrooms or aged cheeses, while the wine's structure pairs beautifully with slow-cooked braises and hearty stews.

Receiving dual 96-point scores from both Decanter magazine and critic Peter Dixon places this Shiraz in the 'outstanding' category, representing wines of exceptional quality and complexity. Scores in the mid-90s indicate a wine that not only showcases perfect varietal character and regional expression but also demonstrates remarkable balance, depth, and ageing potential. These ratings suggest the 2022 vintage successfully captures the essence of premium Barossa Shiraz while offering something truly special for collectors and enthusiasts alike.