2021 Rusden Black Guts Shiraz Half Bottle 375ml, Vine Vale Barossa Valley

Rusden Black Guts Shiraz is a no nonsense Barossa Valley icon that wears its name with pride. This is old school Barossa Shiraz built on depth, power and honesty, drawn from mature vines grown on the Rusden family’s estate vineyards in Vine Vale. Deep sandy soils over clay help keep tannins fine while delivering generous fruit, and the warm Barossa climate brings richness without losing balance.

Rusden Wines is a fiercely independent family operation, with winemaking led by Dennis Rusden, one of the Barossa’s great traditionalists. Black Guts is unapologetically bold and made in a classic style. Low yielding old vines, full flavoured fruit and confident oak use are all part of the picture, but nothing feels forced or overworked. This is about letting Shiraz do what it does best in the Barossa, with no shortcuts and no polishing for fashion.

In the glass, the wine is dark, dense and brooding. Blackberry, black plum and mulberry dominate, layered with liquorice, dark chocolate and roasted spice. As it opens, savoury notes emerge, ironstone, earth and a hint of smoked meat adding complexity and gravitas.

On the palate, Rusden Black Guts Shiraz is full bodied, muscular and deeply satisfying. Concentrated dark fruit floods the mid palate, supported by firm, well built tannins and balanced acidity that stop the wine from feeling heavy. Oak brings structure and spice rather than sweetness, and the finish is long, powerful and savoury, lingering with dark fruit, cocoa and pepper.

This is a Shiraz made for serious food and serious fans. It is outstanding with slow cooked beef, lamb shanks, barbecue or rich winter dishes. While it can be enjoyed now with decanting, it is built to cellar and will reward patience over ten to twenty years, softening and gaining complexity while retaining its core strength.

Rusden Black Guts Shiraz is bold, honest and unmistakably Barossan. A cult favourite that delivers exactly what it promises, depth, power and real personality.