Welcome to Black Market mixed pack numero 31. They’ve learnt from their 30th, now a little older, a little wiser – just as mysterious – and looking to settle down with a stable mofo like you. They’re reasonable and well-balanced, the kind of mixed pack you’d take home to meet your parents, who’ll instantly notice the quality but never discover how you picked them up. Then again, you could lock yourself away with it for a wild weekend too – they’re just that versatile.
Each case contains one of the following:
BLACK MARKET DEAL Riesling 2012
RRP $30 | Clare Valley | 96pts Tony Keys | 94pts Sam Kim | Double Gold - CWSA | Gold medal - CWWSC
Give me one riesling to stay here, and I’ll turn right back around. What can I say – I’m pretty easily impressed, way easier than Tracey Chapman. That doesn’t mean I don’t have good taste though. If there’s only one riesling to stay, it better be this 94pt Clare rizza. There’s lemon, lime and nectarine scents wafting around, and a big ol’ juicy taste that will have you on a strict oyster diet by the time summer comes to visit.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Shiraz 2015
RRP $40 | Heathcote | 95pts Melbourne Wine Show | 94pts Sam Kim | 94pts Tony Keys
Like this luscious 95-pointer, it’s the things that make you go ‘mmm-mmmmmm’ that really matter in life. This big, bold ruby drop comes with all the Halliday stamps you need. Hailing from one of Heathcote’s most exciting, 5 star, Dark Horse, single vineyards, this shiraz was crafted by a winemaker we rant and rave about on the reg. Pairing well with all things rich and roasted, you’d be mad to pass up on this case of ‘mmmmmmm’.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Chardonnay 2016
RRP $33 | Margaret River | 94pts Sam Kim | 5 Red Star Producer – James Halliday Wine Companion
This chardy is proudly (and secretly) brought to you by a 5 red star producer, one of the Margaret River big-dogs renowned for making juice that definitely ain’t ruff. Staying true to WA chardy, this limited release vino has that creamy texture you know and love and, if you don’t know it, you will love it. Zesty with citrus notes, the grapefruit and melon flavours are refreshing like that first ocean swim of the summer.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Sauvignon Blanc 2016
RRP $25 | Wairarapa | 94pts Decanter | 5 stars Sam Kim | 93pts Sam Kim | Double Gold medal CWSA Best Value awards | Gold medal Concours Mondial
A double Gold Medal at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards says all you really need to know about this savvy b. It’s a damn fine wine with citrus and grapefruit on the nose, lots of acidity and flavours of peach, lemon sherbet and a touch of spice. We’re already big fans of Matahiwi thanks to their pinot game, but this savvy b has upped the stakes with 94 points from Decanter, 93 from Sam Kim and a third Gold Medal from Concours Mondial.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Shiraz 2016
RRP $30 | McLaren Vale | 95pts Sam Kim | 5 Red Star Producer – James Halliday Wine Companion | Dark Horse Winery of the year
First things first, let’s put our hands together for this producer ‘cause Sir Halliday has awarded them 5 red star status. Only 10% of Aussie wineries make this grade, so it’s a big deal. What’s a bigger deal? He’s also awarded them a Dark Horse Winery award - only 10 very lucky wineries receive this honour each year. So as you can imagine, we’re expecting very big things from this spectacular red.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
RRP $20 | Southern Fleurieu | 94pts Tony Keys | 90pts James Halliday
ATTN: Cabernet fiends. We’ve just gotten word that a single vineyard, Southern Fleurieu cab has hit the cellar. Wine buyer Andy has referred to its texture as “cracking” and its fruit “lovely”. Rumour of 94 Keys points has been confirmed. Price is unlikely to be beaten. This is cool climate, Bordeaux-esque, juicy cabernet at its finest. Be quick, mofos.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Pinot Noir 2014
RRP $30 | Marlborough | 4 Stars Sam Kim | 2 x Gold Medals
Coming from Marlborough, New Zealand, these Black Market producers have picked up an absurd amount of gold medals at wine competitions both domestically and internationally. Family-owned and proud, their 2014 pinot is full of rich cherry and plum flavours and complemented by a touch of spice, making a savoury, easy drinking vino that’ll go down well on any occasion. And at 11 bucks for a double gold medal winner, you’ll be making sure there are plenty of occasions in the calendar.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Malbec 2016
RRP $22 | Mendoza | 91pts Tim Atkin
These grapes grow in a mountainous region at an altitude of 650-1060 metres, and the subsequent nightly temperature drop causes the grapes to mature super slowly over a long period of time, making a vino with more aromas and buckets of flavour. 91 points from Master of Wine Tim Atkin is a big tick of approval for us, so if you’re after a quality malbec for errday drinking, this is your ticket.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
RRP $24 | Coonawarra | 5 Red Star Producer – James Halliday Wine Companion
Nobody does cabernet quite like these guys, we love ‘em. Seriously, these guys are Coonawarra legends and this ‘15 cab is utterly delicious. Full of dark fruit flavours like black cherry and mulberry, not to mention those classic, dark chocolate vibes we can all appreciate, this is a cracking winter warmer.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Pinot Gris 2016
RRP $32 | Adelaide Hills
This is a must have for all the fans of Adelaide Hills pinot gris, and I’m guessing that’s most of you. If you’re not a fan, well, you’ve been drinking the wrong gris. This 2016 pearler is a guaranteed summer favourite, with juicy pears and crunchy apples caressing your parched mouth into sweet submission. Go on, give it a go. Don’t like it? Feel free to write me a sternly worded letter, but we’ll just have to a-gris to dis-a-gris.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Shiraz 2015
RRP $28 | Western Australia
A single vineyard vino with plenty of stuffing? Hell yes. The two previous vintages of this wine have scored 93 & 94 from Halliday and while the ‘15 is yet to be reviewed, it’s shaping up to be another success story for this Black Market producer. Medium to full-bodied with depth, length and a whole lot of vibrancy, this shiraz is showing black fruits, liquorice and pepper, as well as some spicy red and black cherries.
BLACK MARKET DEAL Sparkling White NV
RRP $25 | King Valley
Anyone who knows us will tell you, we’re huge fans of the bubbles that burst from north east Victoria’s King Valley. The region rocks when it comes to prosecco and its sparkling wines are super swish too. And these talented folks know how to get the party started with this fizz. The cooler High Country climate means a lower yield of pinot noir that, once expertly blended with chardonnay, produces a rich creamy texture and a fantastic intensity of flavour. Think crisp apples and citrus fruits, chilled to perfection!
