Gundog Estate Indomitus Albus 2019

Finally, something a little bit different. That is obvious from the totally different labelling (this one features photography of the 12^th century Ta Prohm temple, found at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat – which looks great – instead of a dog) and the curious name, a bit like a new Harry Potter wizard. It is also a blend of grapes from the Hunter and Canberra. The weirdness does not end there. It is also a blend of varieties. 

Basically, 60% semillon from the Vernon vineyard in Mount View, 27% gewürztraminer from the Ernest Hill vineyard in Pokolbin and 13% riesling from the Four Winds vineyard in Murrumbateman. The Semillon was fermented with natural yeasts on 30% skins by weight, then left to mature on those skins for 142 days (Matt actually says ‘approximately 142 days’ in his info, but I figure that no one gets that specific for that period, so it must be 142 days). The riesling and gewurztraminer also saw natural yeasts in old oak. No fining agents were used. The level of residual sugar is 5 gms/litre, but this should really only contribute to the mouthfeel, rather than providing any genuine sweetness on the palate. All of this came about as Matt was keen to build on what he saw with his 2011 Wild Semillon. 

Love this! Wonderfully aromatic. There are the lavender and musk notes from the gewurz; the florals and minerals of the riesling; and the grass, lemongrass and citrus of the semillon. There are nuts and notes of matchsticks. Complexity out the wahzoo! Almonds. Stonefruit on the palate. Great length. This is stunning stuff and ridiculously cheap. Such a seductive, gorgeous texture. Impressive length (impressive indeed, but it is the texture one will remember). Great now, should drink well for the next 4-5 years and after that? Who knows? Try it with a rich chicken dish or a fish stew. Love it!