The Black Chook 2016 Shiraz, $18
Here’s a wine that’s something to cluck about (sorry; we couldn’t resist!). The Black Chook is very keenly priced for such an enjoyable red, abounding as it does in bright, sweet fruit and gentle spices. It’s from an easy-drinking South Australian range made by Penny’s Hill winemaker, Alexia Roberts, whose winemaking I greatly admire. The fruit for this one comes from the McLaren Vale and Padthaway regions, and there’s a small amount of Viognier co-fermented with it, which adds an attractive floral lift. It’s a versatile wine that could be paired with a wide range of foods. There’s a Sparkling Shiraz in the range as well.
