Total switch up from the 2023. This is now a multi variety blend (while all being from Hilltops). Shiraz (57%) from Hudson, Freeman and Moppity, while the latter provides Tempranillo (29%) and Grenache (14%). 14 months maturation in ‘seasoned’ French oak.

Gundog Estate, Indomitus Rutilus, Hilltops, 2024

Deep bruise purple. Deeply aromatic, bluestone, dried blood, earth, tobacco, creosote, cola syrup, fleshy plum, pickled walnut, blackberry and a little bramble. Silky and fleshy palate. Flowing deep, syrupy and purple. There’s some regional crispness through the finish that balances the dark fruit. Hyper fine tannins give a microfibre towel texture. It’s a bigger expression than we’ve come to expect from this label, but there’s always a place for these styles.

RRP: $50
Alc: 14.6%
Rating: 92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Gundog Estate