30 DAYS AGO • 3 MIN READ

💎 The Best Shiraz We’ve Had For $15 🔥

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Vine In The Rough

Unearthing the best wines under $15, without the snooty wine talk. We’re here to prove that you don’t need a sommelier certification to enjoy a great bottle. From weeknight sips to dinner party picks, this is your friendly, down-to-earth newsletter in search for impressive yet affordable wines…and the ultimate "vine in the rough".

💎 A Gem...Finally At The Right Price 💎

We’ve had our eye on this bottle for ages, but with its usual price sitting outside Vine in the Rough’s strict budget guideline, we’ve been patiently waiting for it to drop. Well, good news! That time has come, and we pounced.

Get ready for, potentially, the best bargain Shiraz you will find. You'll need to be quick with this one though.

But first🚨 Don't keep our hunt together a secret...please forward this email to the first friend that comes to mind.

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If Velvet Had a Flavour, This Would Be It 🍇

🍷 Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz (2023)

Some wines play hard to get, quietly waiting on shelves for the right person to notice them. Others practically grab you by the collar and say, "Mate, you NEED to take me home." This is one of those.

The Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz, a bottle that’s been lurking in our subconscious for a while now is normally priced well above $15. But right now you can grab it for bang on $15 thanks to a Dan Murphy’s member deal. So while it's not the cheapest drop we’ve reviewed, we can promise you it's absolutely worth every cent.

This is a Barossa Shiraz in full flight - big, bold, and so dark in colour you’ll understand exactly why it’s called "Ink." Take a sip, and you’re met with juicy dark berries wrapped up in fine, velvety tannins that make the whole thing feel ridiculously smooth. Drink it straight away, and it’s already excellent. Give it a little time to breathe, and you’ll be rewarded with even more depth and character.

It's a staple in many a wine rack, and for good reason. But for those of you who haven’t tried it yet, this is your sign. It’s one of those classic Aussie reds that has stood the test of time, so much so that earlier vintages existed well before Nikki Webster was swinging over the Sydney Olympics stadium.

The label deserves a shoutout too - clean, bold, and instantly recognisable. Unlike some bottles that look like they were designed in a rush, this one actually tells a story. Simple, elegant, and a perfect match for the wine inside.

Sure, at $15, this one won’t leave much change for snacks, but that’s fine because it’s a no-brainer for taking to a mate’s place when they’re in charge of dinner. Or...just drink it on its own. It tastes far pricier than it actually is, so while we'd usually suggest keeping the price a secret, this isn’t one to gatekeep. Share it, spread the word, and forward them this email so they can enjoy the best Shiraz you can buy for $15.

VITR Official Score: 9.5 / 10

👍 Reality vs Perception: Priced at the higher end of our range, but it delivers in spades. Fool your friends or share the love.

👩‍🎨 Label Aesthetics: Simple, bold, and is the perfect teaser for what's in the bottle - no complaints here.

👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: Nonno would be trying to claim this as one of his, that's how good it is.

🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: The usual $19+ price tag for this one brings its suitability into question. But perhaps consider the Classic Collection Shiraz or Classic Collection Cabernet Sauvignon if you want to stick with Grant Burge,

🤑 Keep the Change: What can we say...just enjoy this bottle for what it is without the token snacks.


Real Talk

📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It

Claret: Did you know "claret" was a fancy French drop - light, almost rosé-like, straight out of Bordeaux. Over time, the name stuck to all red Bordeaux wines, and then somehow, it ended up as slang for a bloodied nose.

💡 Sip Tip

Fast-track to Fancy: Slap an aerator on the bottle and pour - instant breathing room for your wine. It’s like giving it a power nap before it hits your glass.

🍿 Sip & Snack

Riesling & Spicy 2-Min Noodles: The crisp acidity cools the heat, so you can keep slurping without setting your mouth on fire. Classy meets uni budget!


Until Next Week, Cheers 🍷

Some wines are worth waiting for, and this was one of them. Got a top-tier under $15 pick? Let us know, and we'll see you next week!

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Vine In The Rough

Unearthing the best wines under $15, without the snooty wine talk. We’re here to prove that you don’t need a sommelier certification to enjoy a great bottle. From weeknight sips to dinner party picks, this is your friendly, down-to-earth newsletter in search for impressive yet affordable wines…and the ultimate "vine in the rough".