When you pour all your knowledge and expertise into one bottle to celebrate a milestone, this is what you get. A sleek, detailed and considered wine from Gundog Estate winemaker Matt Burton.
To celebrate Burton's upcoming 40th birthday, he has produced a wine to express his creativity, philosophies and values that have shaped his craft over the last two decades. The three words on the back label frame the picture of Burton's values: love, courage, integrity.
The fruit was sourced from Murrumbateman in the Canberra district with four components making up this blend. Those being 2018 Shiraz which saw 450 days on skins, 2019 (365 days on skins), 2019 (regular skin contact) and 2019 (regular skin contact and 15% whole bunch). I had to do a double-take as well... Coming in a big solid bottle, it was the first time I had received a sample from Burton with a cork in it. My instincts were correct. This is his first cork seal in 15 years. Dicey - why risk an excellent product with something which may taint it? Not my call, however...
There's a delicacy about this Shiraz as it gains a quiet momentum through the mouth. Blueberry fruits, a fine brush of dark plums and a delicate dark chocolate presence are etched into its frame. Delicate milk chocolate creaminess has a silky presence in the background. A humble meatiness and pan juice layer fold into ripples of earthiness, cedar and fine spices that dangerously tiptoe through in stealth mode in an attempt to be undetected. Fine, supple and moreish, this lingers long. It's gorgeous. Delightful. Sip it slowly and embrace. Stunning.
To be officially released in October 2021.
Drink to eight years+
95/100
Region: Canberra
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