With all of the Australian imports coming to our shores these days, certain brands stand out; Black Opal is one of them. The Black opal wine have struck a chord with the American wine drinking public, because of the simple fact that they are a terrific buy for the money.

            The grapes for the wines are sourced from vineyards in South Eastern Australia, which happens to be one of the areas in that country that was given over to grape growing when the first settlers arrive. Since then it has been a source of quality wine grapes in that country.

Black Opals winemakers search out the best parcels of grapes in that area for their wine and selectively choose those grapes that meet their specifications for their wines. As we often say, “the proof is in the tasting” and the Black Opal wines pass the tasting test with flying colors.

Black Opal 2005 Chardonnay ($8). If you are one of those who have abandoned chardonnay in favor of other white or even red wines, this one may just bring you back. The Wyndham Black Opal Chardonnay is a very neat and clean wine with all of the flavors and aromas one seeks in a chardonnay. This wine is endowed with big and open fruit flavors as well as that certain mineral element that marks it as a South Eastern Australian wine. Here is an affordable wine that you can trust not to disappoint you. 

Black Opal 2005 Shiraz ($8). Shiraz is, without any doubt, Australia’s most popular wine. The reason for its popularity can clearly be seen when you take the first sip of the Black Opal 2005 Shiraz. The easiest way to characterize this wine is to say, like Australia and the Australians; it is big and very friendly. The wine has a deep, dense red color, a massive red berry flavor and aroma and a prominent super fruity aftertaste. It is also a wine that can accompany a very wide variety of foods, from cheese dishes to red meats. It could be considered the zinfandel of Australia; an all purpose red wine. 

Black Opal 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon ($8). If there is any one wine that will positively stir active debate on its merit or demerits, it is a cabernet sauvignon. Black Opal vintners have produced a soft, easy to drink cabernet sauvignon that needs no time to age away any rough edges. It is a wine the in meant to be enjoyed with tonight’s dinner and not five years from now. This wine has a deep ruby color and an upfront berry-like flavor that showcases cherry and blackberry, with a hint of dark raisins in the background. Wines in this price range usually do not have a very long or prominent aftertaste; in fact many are almost totally devoid of any aftertaste at all. Contrary to the rule, this wine shines in that department. The finish is long and fruity with the very obvious sensation of big dark raisins. Here is the ideal wine for those grilled steaks that have become popular at back yard barbeques.  

Black Opal 2004 Cabernet – Merlot ($8). The Black Opal 2004 Cabernet – Merlot is a great bridge between these two grape varieties and a wine which captures all of the subtleties and nuances that they are both famous for and presents them all at once. The cabernet imparts its signature cherry and plum flavors while the merlot contributes the flavor and aroma of ripe currents. The winemakers at Black Opal can be proud of this wine and this blend. 

Black Opal 2005 Shiraz Cabernet ($8). Take two of Australia’s favorite reds, blend them together and you are sure to have a new sensation. There is definitely a new taste sensation with this is a big, chewy wine that displays all the best of both varieties. Dark summer berries dominate the aroma with oak and licorice in the background. The flavor continues with the berries which are then complimented by ripe, dark plums. One of the varieties would be good but two makes the wine a hit; and this wine is a hit. 

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