Gundog Estate Hilltops Shiraz No 2 2021
- 93
- $35
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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The second of the team’s Hilltops Shiraz from the ‘21 vintage hails from a slightly cooler microclimate at Boorowa, which ensures that the fruit ripens more slowly. Again, 12 months in French oak. A deep crimson red, the immediate impression is of a wine that is fractionally more rustic, but it quickly becomes apparent that this is merely one aspect of the extra level of complexity found here. This is an exciting young Shiraz. Florals, meaty notes, fleshy, leather, chocolate, dark berries, cranberries and delicatessen notes with a sweet core of red fruits. Good balance and intensity, which is maintained for the full journey with excellent overall length. It really appeals now but has five to ten years ahead of it if needed.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
