There is absolutely no hiding the heft and muscle in this Guido Shiraz from Gunpowder Wines.
At 15% alcohol and matured for 20 months in a combination of new and three-year-old American oak, this is a big, unapologetic red that wears its oak influence prominently. The decision to use American oak is telling.
Caramel and sweet oak come charging through, joined by rum and raisin, coffee grounds and a distinct Coconut Rough character that speaks loudly of the barrel. Beneath it sits ripe, concentrated fruit, but at this stage the oak is doing most of the talking and, dare I say, suffocating some of the fruit. I revisited this over three days and the oak remained bulky and imposing, although there is plenty of muscle and structure to suggest this wine has a long life ahead. It's a style that could easily be mistaken for a big Barossa Shiraz, such is the generosity and weight. This needs time to calm and allow the fruit to emerge from beneath the oak. Perhaps cigars and steaks are the answer - if that's your thing.
88/100
Region: Hunter Valley
