A ‘lived experience’ can be defined as “the knowledge and understanding that comes from living through a particularly challenging life event or situation.” While the Gundog Estate team have certainly gained experience from the last two intense, difficult years, they acknowledge that others are doing it far tougher. Working with Path 2 Change to help homeless and disadvantaged youth in the Hunter Region, they’ve released this 2019 Shiraz (along with providing a work experience program in their Hunter Valley cellar door). The label was hand drawn by Abby** who has worked with homeless youths for 15 years. Importantly, 100% of the profits are going to Path 2 Change.

Gundog Estate, The Lived Experience, Shiraz, Hunter Valley, 2019

Opens to meaty sweaty earthy tones with lanolin and an iron spine before fleshy blood plum and spices of licorice, clove and bitter dark chocolate. Silky, syrupy body with generous rose petal texture, just charry oak and lingering decadent dark chocolate. Sitting in the darker spectrum with firm tannins. Approachable and ready to enjoy now while doing some good for the community as well.

RRP: $35
Alc: 14.3%
Rating: NR due to the nature of the release (but it is great value)

**Name changed

Wine sample courtesy of Gundog Estate