With fruit taken from the Freeman vineyard in the Hilltops region. This is the big brother of the two “Hilltops Shiraz” range.
Note: Bottle image has vintage 2021, but naught has changed save for the year. At time of writing, the 2023 is still available on the Gundog website.

Gundog Estate, Hilltops Shiraz No.1, Hilltops, 2024

There’s a welcome big jump in ABV from the previous vintage. Warm spiced tea bun, plump plum jam, mixed berry coulis, bluestone, choc fragrance a mix between ganache and easter egg before a pink peppercorn spice. There’s a wild spice mix that feels tropical jungle green and roguish. Fleshy and plush, yet maintains a neat frame and regional lift. There’s a little crescendo of acid through the tail as the fine tannins knit neatly. Cool weather comfort drinking.

RRP: $36
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Gundog Estate