Gundog Estate Hunter’s Shiraz 2021

To be honest, if anyone mentions Gundog Estate, my thoughts immediately go to fine Semillon, not Shiraz, which is definitely an oversight on my part. Their Shiraz wines are at least as impressive as the Sems, perhaps even more so. This one hails from a pair of low-yielding, old vineyards – Will’s Hill and Tinkler’s. Fermentation is in open top fermenters before maturation for a year in French oak puncheons. Deep red/crimson in colour, the nose is all red fruits, cherries and raspberries, with lifted warm earth notes and hints of animal skins. Notes of coffee grinds and dry herbs emerge on the palate. Impressive stuff, the texture is simply gorgeous, supple and seductive. Tannins are abundant but ever-so-silky. And such length! This is a cracking red, giving pleasure now but which will surely drink superbly for the next ten to fifteen years. 94, but expect that to go even higher with time.