For the first time, Gundog Estate presents all three of its Limited Release Shiraz side by side. Rare Game, the label’s flagship Hunter red, is joined by Flintlock, now in its second release from the Hilltops, and Marksman’s Shiraz, which returns to the range for the first time since 2019 after a run of difficult vintages in Canberra that began with the 2020 bushfires.

Drawn from three of the country’s most distinct regions, the trio together represents Gundog Estate’s take on style, quality and regional identity — and reviewers have wasted no time saying so.

2023 RARE GAME SHIRAZ

Gundog Estate’s flagship Hunter red continues to draw inspiration from the legendary ‘Hunter Burgundy’ wines of decades past. Sourced from two of Pokolbin’s finest Shiraz vineyards — Will’s Hill and Tinkler’s Old Vines — and matured for sixteen months in French oak puncheons, it pairs the depth and robust tannins of Will’s Hill fruit with the lighter, more savoury character of Tinkler’s. Coming from an outstanding 2023 season, it’s a wine critics have been quick to call some of the finest yet under the label.

“There is an air of perfection about the glorious fruit in this magnificent, moreish shiraz. Beneath the plushness lies a graphite-like core that anchors the fruit, revealing its serious intent. Beautifully composed and complete, it has impressive flow, intensity and richness.” Halliday, 96 points (www.winecompanion.com.au)

“If you want to know what all the fuss is about when old timers go all misty-eyed over Hunter Burgundy, this is a good place to start. Everything is in place for this wine to provide pleasure for the best part of the next fifteen to twenty years.” Ken Gargett, 95 points (www.winepilot.com)

“This classic 2023 Hunter Valley Shiraz has power and refinement with a beautiful mix of smoked meats, red earth, plum skin and toasted spice aromas underpinned by some very classy oak. Great wine built for the cellar, and best yet under this label.” Angus Hughson, 94 points (www.winepilot.com)

“Sleek and supple flesh, tannins are hyper fine… Drink now or in 2035 without any concerns. Another cracking release from the Gundog team.” Regan Drew, 95 points (www.vinonotebook.com)

2023 FLINTLOCK SHIRAZ

Now in its second release, Flintlock showcases the Hilltops region’s ability to produce some of the country’s most expressive and balanced Shiraz. It draws on two low-yielding sites — Roger Clark’s vineyard in Boorowa and the Freeman Vineyard in Prunevale — where flavour and tannin accumulate in abundance, and regional identity is expressed with particular strength.

“One of the top wines from Gundog, this is a Hilltops Shiraz that sits comfortably in pedigree territory. It has a succulence and freshness of red fruit coupled to flinty, sinewy tannins, great length of flavour, sweet fruited and spicy perfume. A fine wine in any language, a territory Gundog Estate knows well.” Mike Bennie, 94 points (www.wbmonline.com.au)

“Spice and lift are trademarks, with exquisite balance… The palate has great length and comes and goes in waves. The best of the three 2023 top tier Shiraz from Gundog.” Regan Drew, 95 points (www.vinonotebook.com)

“Well structured, this is poised and offers a pleasing, lingering finish. It will drink beautifully for at least the next eight years and one can reasonably expect further improvement over that period.” Ken Gargett, 94 points (www.winepilot.com)

“Has the cherry almond biscuit Hilltops thing in droves… Applaudable, medium-bodied, enjoyable Shiraz of character and low alcohol.” Andrew Graham, 94 points (www.ozwinereview.com)

2023 MARKSMAN’S SHIRAZ

After a run of tough Canberra vintages beginning with the 2020 bushfires, Marksman’s Shiraz makes a welcome return to the range for the first time since 2019. Blending fruit from the Wallaroo vineyard in Hall and Long Rail Gully in Murrumbateman — one contributing dark-fruit aromatics and broad tannins, the other beguiling spice and a finer-boned palate — the wine continues a style first crafted in 2010: a pure, poised expression of Canberra District Shiraz built for the long haul.

“The regional expression in this glorious shiraz is sensational. Clean, pure and wildly fragrant, with baked black cherries, Szechuan pepper and a touch of anise. There’s delicious, mouth-watering, lemony succulence on the close.” Halliday, 95 points (www.winecompanion.com.au)

“It is exciting stuff… beautifully crafted with serious length. It should provide exquisite pleasure over the next ten to twelve years and should improve even further.” Ken Gargett, 95 points (www.winpilot.com)

“Absolutely delicious, I could keep topping up the glass all night. Big love!” Qwine, 95 points (www.qwinereviews.com)

“Clever modern Canberra red of refinement and flavour… the balance between fruit, fine spice and refined tannins is excellent, and only needs a little more time in bottle to be at full expression.” Andrew Graham, 94+ points (www.ozwinereview.com)

THREE REGIONS, ONE STANDARD

Rare Game, Flintlock and Marksman’s Shiraz are now available in strictly limited quantities via the Gundog Estate cellar doors in Pokolbin and Gundaroo, online here, and through the Gundog Estate Wine Club.