The grapes were from Murrumbateman, harvested in both 2018 and 2019. There are four component wines in the Shiraz I blend. Early stage winemaking was very close across each parcel, with fermentations featuring combinations of destemmed and crushed must, some containing whole bunches, others whole berries. These ferments were carried out in open tanks with naturally occurring yeast and minimal temperature control.

A fifth of the Shiraz I blend comes from wines pressed straight to barrel following fermentation, with the remainder from wines that were each matured on skins for over twelve months prior to draining. Subsequent barrel maturation of individual wines culminated in blending in March 2020. The Shiraz I blend was then transferred to a single, two-year old French oak Puncheon for a further ten months maturation before bottling in January 2021 (just 600 bottles). We bottled without fining or filtration.

It’s the profound complexity of Shiraz I that strikes first. Initially, layers upon layers of aromas, flavours and textures jostle for attention before settling down into a detailed tapestry on a truly grand scale. Contrasting stories of vintage and winemaking find cohesion in a unifying theme of variety and region. While some flavours and tannins strike the palate as familiar in form, others appear more exotic and fleeting – these are the ones that will draw you back, time and again. The wine evolves in the glass quite unlike any other I have experienced. Sweet pops of blueberry and spice give way to smoky charcuterie and coffee, seamlessly matched to tannins that move from velvet to black tea in shape and intensity.

The richness of flavour and textural complexity of this wine demands an accompanying dish of something equally grand - I found a slow cooked Iranian style lamb shoulder a perfect partner!

The wine is presented in sustainably farmed Paulownia timber boxes, and for every bottle purchased we will be donating $5 to our community partners Path 2 Change and planting a tree at one of our regeneration projects via 15 Trees.

Cellar carefully to 2030.

Beer & Gin

Gundog Estate Hunting Ale Case

Gundog Estate Dry Gin

Follow us @gundogestate

HUNTER CELLAR & Gourmet Pantry

Cork Street Cellar

what are you looking for?

Browser not supported