Vintage
2021
ABV
14%
Wine Type
Red
Wine Style
Still
Wine Description
Low yielding, and growing over heavier soils, we find these Hilltops vineyards naturally deliver bigger flavours and bold tannins, which means we act quickly to take the fruit just on ripeness, aiming to preserve natural acidity and poise.
Winemaking practices are undertaken with the intention of highlighting the unique personalities of these vineyards and region – machine harvested fruit is chilled to tank for a short cold soak period, followed by a warm to hot fermentation, which usually runs for 5 to 7 days. We then press to French oak puncheons, 25% new. Maturation is over 14 months, with the wines racked once prior to blending and bottling.
Incredibly vibrant aromas featuring layers of dark berries lead onto a fleshy palate boasting great natural balance and length of flavour. The Hilltops Shiraz has a generosity of flavour that emphasises early drinking appeal but will also reward careful cellaring over the next 5 to 10 years.
Winemaker's Bio
Matt holds a Bachelor of Wine Science and Graduate Diploma of Business Administration from Charles Sturt University. He has been involved at various levels of winemaking and wine business management for the last twenty years. Starting out as a Trainee Winemaker in the Hunter Valley, Matt then gained invaluable experience making wine in the United States and France before heading to Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley. In 2003, he finally settled in the Hunter Valley where he was ultimately promoted to the dual role of Winemaker and General Manager at a leading boutique winery. In 2010, Matt decided to step out and establish the Gundog Estate wine business and cellar door. Under Matt’s management and winemaking, Gundog Estate has consistently been awarded a prestigious five-star winery rating from Australia’s leading wine critic — James Halliday. During his time in the Hunter, Matt’s wines have gained many accolades. In 2010, Matt was recognised as the “Hunter Valley’s Rising Star,” and in 2021, finalist for the Gourmet Traveller Australian Winemaker of the Year.