Gundog Estate Smoking Barrel Red 2015

This is a blend of Shiraz using both Hunter and Canberra fruit, though previous vintages have had more Hunter grapes in the mix – the 2015 has just 10%. Still plenty of similarities to the ’14 in style, though.

Sweet fruited and generous; this is all about juicy, red berry and chocolate fruit. Again, this is massively primary, but there isn’t quite enough depth beyond the juiciness for really high points. Still very pleasant, and in time this will probably look better. Best drinking: 2018-2025. 17/20, 90/100. 13.5%, $30. Would I buy it? Not quite.