An extended regional blend with fruit from Freeman’s Hilltops vineyard, the Will’s Hill vineyard in Pokolbin (Hunter Valley) and a parcel of Canberra fruit, Essentially a barrel blend designed to be upfront approachable red.

Gundog Estate, Smoking Barrel, Shiraz, NSW, 2023

Inky bruise purple. Cassis, licorice, spiced plum, ham hock, clove stud, raspberry dust, glove leather, floral lavender and rose heart. Some decadent Belgian chocolate (like the little seahorses), mocha and vanilla oak wrap. Medium bodied and angled. There’s some flesh through the mid palate, but feels a little drawn with the body not quite matching the nose. Drying, tight-knit tannin closes down a firm finish with a tart wink. Match up with wallaby tataki, roasted garlic and ponzu.

RRP: $36
Alc: 13.3%
Rating: 89/100

Wine sample courtesy of Gundog Estate