The Lucky Dip Case is back! The first time we did this, we broke the internet. This time we’ve bubble-wrapped the servers because they’re in for another beating.
Every case contains the same eleven wicked wines, including some our absolute faves here at the ‘fo. More info on them below, and they’re all good things. All mofo standard - i.e. nothing we haven’t enjoyed ourselves.
Then there’s the added excitement of seeing which one of these world-beater wines you will receive as your twelfth.
The twelfth wine is the wildcard and could be any one of these:
An iconic Penfolds Grange 2017 worth $1000 (1 in 100 chance)
Curtis Martin’s Vineyard Shiraz 2020 worth $150 (1 in 25 chance)
Thorn-Clarke Bona Fide Shiraz 2018 worth $70 (1 in 10 chance)
Penley Estate Black Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 worth $50 (at a minimum!)
Each box contains one of these epic wines. The odds vary per wine, but each one is a centrepiece wine, worthy of some truly special occasions.
We should say up front: there are no returns on this - click here for case terms and conditions. As it’s a Lucky Dip, it would be unfair to other mofos running in the draw.
The easiest way to guarantee to get a bottle of Grange is to go out and buy one for yourself. If you, like me, don’t have $1000 handy, this is definitely your best (and cheapest) option! Heard enough already? Pop that case in the cart and cross your fingers and toes! Otherwise, read on for a bit more info on all those lovely wines:
The Wild Card Wines
Wild Card Wine #1
Penfolds Grange Shiraz 2017
South Australia
98pts Wine Spectator | 98pts Huon Hooke | 96pts Robert Parker
Very deep, dark, dense colour with plenty of purple in the rim. The bouquet is classic Grange, loaded with toast-smoky-oaky scents of smoked-meats and toasted barrels, dried herbs adding an extra fragrance, and hints of five-spice, especially star anise. It’s very full-bodied and concentrate, powerful and long-lasting, but the tannins are beautifully crafted and supple, harmonious, and avoid any suggestion of astringency. The core of the wine is lusciously fruit-sweet and delicious, the robe of tannin complementary rather than domineering. The finish is tremendously long and satisfying. I can enjoy drinking this now: not usual with a new Grange release. A quite magnificent wine and a great Grange. - Huon Hooke
Strongly marked - as always - by its 100% American oak elevage, the 2017 Grange backs up the cedar and vanilla notes with ample blackberry and cassis fruit. Full-bodied, ripe and almost decadently creamy in the mouth, it’s loaded with substance, concentrated and rich, yet- in the context of Grange - relatively light and elegant-seeming on the finish. Only the seventh-ever Grange to be exclusively Shiraz, it originates from Barossa Valley (86%) and McLaren Vale (14%): Shiraz from the other growing regions in South Australia failed to make the grade this year. - Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Memorable, complex, aromatic and explosively deep, with a mix of palo santo, dark chocolate, black olive, espresso and hazelnut butter. The pure fruit at the core is a mix of ripe huckleberry, boysenberry and wild blackberry, with dense but polished tannins. Savory notes of dried rosemary and sage, cigar box, dried apricot and sandalwood linger on the epic finish. Drink now through 2045.“ - Wine Spectator
YOU’D PAY $1000 full price.
Wild Card Wine #2
Curtis Martin’s Vineyard Shiraz 2020
McLaren Vale, SA
97pts Wine Orbit | 4.5 Vivino (2020 vintage) | 96pts Wine Pilot | Five Stars Wine Orbit
Currently in the top 5 of Vivino’s ‘Top 25 Australian Shiraz’ list, as rated by Australian Vivino users.
A special series wine from a prominent McLaren Vale winery isn’t something that’s easy to get your hands on. And we mean, sometimes this stuff can’t even be picked up when you bang on the doors of wineries themselves. This is intensely dense, which sounds just as smooth as it drinks. Heightened aromas of blackcurrant and black cherries waft enticingly from the decanter, which help to open this to its full potential. The oak influence is superbly balanced, helping to lift the marked quality of the fruit and give this beauty the longevity it deserves. Sometimes you say we spoil you mofos, and we’re starting to think that you’re right.
YOU’D PAY $150 full price.
Wild Card Wine #3
Thorn-Clarke Bona Fide Shiraz 2018 750mL
Barossa Valley, SA
95pts Wine Orbit | Five Stars Wine Orbit | Vegan
Thorne-Clarke: a meeting of two families that settled on Barossa soils over a century ago. Like many, it’s a story of hard work, nose to the ground, generation after generation. Fast forward to the 21st century, and it’s all about their classy wines that stand out from the pack. True to their terroir-driven ethos, the Bona Fide shiraz is all about small scale and a watchful eye. Single vineyard, small batch fermentation, followed by American oak treatment for 18months (40% new). Only the best of the best made it to the final blend, meaning that you, yes YOU Mofo, are only getting the very best.
YOU’D PAY $70 full price.
Wild Card Wine #4
Penley Estate Black Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Coonawarra, SA
94pts Wine Orbit |Five Red Star Halliday Rated Winery | Five Stars Wine Orbit | Mofo Fav
One of our favourite Coonawarra producers, Penley Estate, has done the hard work to bring back this mofo fave drop. Aptly named, this robust cabernet packs a punch with strong, flavourful and classic Coonawarra characteristics we’ve all come to love and enjoy. Dark fruits of the black forest abound and surround the recogniseable cedary, minty core; while framed with superb mineral tannins that allow for youthful drinking while still earning a nook in your cellar over the next 10+ years.
Part of our Women in Wine Collection
We are committed to ALWAYS having wines available that are made by women. In an industry that’s still dominated by men, we believe in celebrating the incredible work women are doing. Here’s to our Women in Wine!
Winemaker: Kate Goodman
Kate’s considered one of Australia’s best winemakers, and was snaffled up a few years back by Penley in what can only be described as a major coup for the winery. Kate made her name setting up Yarra winery Punt Rd, and wineries who can claim to have stained her hands include Wirra Wirra, Tim Knappstein and Seppelt. She’s aiming for “life and lightness” in her wine, respecting the quality of the fruit.
YOU’D PAY $50 full price.
The Others
First Drop Home of the Brave Shiraz 2021
Barossa Valley, SA
2 bottles
If you’re familiar with quintessential Barossa shiraz, our bet is you’ll know this winery and their famed wines. Sometimes eccentric, sometimes playful, always quality. We’ll look at the 2021 vintage as one to be heralded for decades to come, you’d be silly not to stock up. Mulberry, plum, chocolate and black cherries abound in a delightful supporting structure filled to the brim with oak spices. Add a hearty meal and you’re really in for a journey of flavours.
YOU’D PAY $30 full price.
CW Wines Winemaker Series Reserve Shiraz 2020
Limestone Coast, SA
2 bottles
94pts Sam Kim | Five Stars Sam Kim
When looking at a deal at this price, the question could be raised “yes that’s a great deal but what about the quality?” Well, we love it but don’t take our word for it. With strong reviews and the consistency CW Wines is known for, be assured you’ll be just as happy with the quality as you are with the price. Wonderfully ripe and inviting, the perfumed bouquet shows dark fruit intensity combined with violet, vanillin oak, cocoa and subtle spice notes, leading to a concentrated palate that’s opulent and persistent. The wine is powerful and richly textured with excellent fruit purity, seamlessly framed by silky tannins. Drink now, it’s good to go!
YOU’D PAY $27 full price.
Twin Valleys Tempranillo Touriga 2021
Alpine & King Valleys, VIC
2 bottles
The King Valley seems to be kicking some real goals of late. It’s no longer only a spot for Italian varieties. Twin Valley has considered the climate of their sites and, with a gallant effort, have selected to blend tempranillo and touriga - both offering lashings of purple flowers, fruits and a little more oomph than the other Mediterranean counterparts. Here we have a medium to full-bodied red with brisk acidity and soft, but obvious tannins. This is the perfect vino to crack at any moment. As fruity as it is dark, it has a very plummy nose spiked with cinnamon, Chinese spice, and some tobacco and cedar backup notes. It’s ripe for drinking now, and I reckon it’ll round out in bottle for a couple of years. What wonders it will do then for some food and wine matching - if you can wait that long.
YOU’D PAY $27 full price.
Thistledown The Opportunist Shiraz 2021
Langhorne Creek, SA
2 bottles
93pts Wine Orbit | Five Stars Wine Orbit | Five Red Star Halliday Rated Winery | Vegan
Hello amazing value South Aussie shiraz! If you are a shiraz lover, keen on the generosity and flavour-power of the South Australian style... keep reading. This wine is from one of the leading (warmer) regions and a producer who really knows what they are doing in the vineyard and winery. It’s classic full-bodied shiraz with fruit aplenty - rich plums, dark cherries and fresh dates. The nose is full of spice, which continues on the palate, which is plush and full of soft smooth tannins.
YOU’D PAY $22 full price.
Patrick of Coonawarra P Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Coonawarra, SA
2 bottles
This is classic Coonawarra cabernet coming from a producer who delivers consistent and precise wines year after year. It’s six years old and looking good, showing those deep tertiary flavours of leather and tobacco that round out the bright and fruit forward cabernet intensity. There are dusty red soil notes, herbaceousness, red and dark berries. The palate is firm and supported by acid drive, with layers to explore. This is your reminder of classic Coonawarra cabernet!
YOU’D PAY $20 full price.
Geoff Hardy GMH Shiraz 2019
South Australia
1 bottle
This producer is a legend in the industry and every drop they release never fails to satisfy – from classic varieties to more experimental blends, there’s always a special touch to these wines. Jam-packed with wild berries, juicy blackcurrants, lush dark chocolate, a splash of mint and a memorable, firm finish - this is an elegant Shiraz that doesn’t ask for your attention, rather it commands it.
YOU’D PAY $19 full price.
Lucky Dip: Terms & Conditions
