Today we review an Australian shiraz/cabernet blend that costs only $7 a bottle.
Since we just reviewed two white wines that are “stupid cheap,” I figured we needed a red. Enter 2007 Black Opal shiraz/cabernet. Since I almost always hate cheap red wine, I have to admit that I was surprised that Black Opal was even drinkable. There are several new very cheap red wines flowing from Australia these days, including the confusingly similar “Black Swan,” and as you would expect, most aren’t that great.
But here we have a rich, drinkable red that is “full of berry, pepper, and spice aromas” (so says the winery’s website, and I agree) that also gives you some spice and pepper on your taste buds, along with very ripe dark fruit flavors. Tannins are there, sort of. I don’t really agree with the website’s claim that this is an “elegant” or a “full bodied” wine, but hey, their marketing people have to earn a living just like anybody else.
I’d say this is a medium-bodied red that doesn’t really taste like cabernet or shiraz, but rather just tastes pleasant. It isn’t silky or complex, but it doesn’t reek of cheapness either. If you’re on a tight budget, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If you don’t like it, please e-mail me any $7 reds that you do enjoy, I’ll be curious! This super-affordable dark berry down under is:
Recommended.
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