Rusden Black Guts Shiraz 2022 from Vine Vale in the Barossa is a big, dense and utterly classic Barossa Shiraz – all dark fruit power wrapped in plush texture and serious length, a proper statement wine for lovers of rich reds. This Rusden Black Guts Shiraz 2022 delivers waves of black plum, black cherry and liquorice with dark chocolate, graphite, violet and smoky oak in support, showing both opulence and polish in equal measure.

On the palate it is full bodied and concentrated, flush with ripe black fruits layered over cedar, earth, dried herbs and tobacco, framed by velvety yet substantial tannins and vibrant acidity that stop it feeling syrupy. The finish is long, fleshy and gutsy, with lingering spice, cocoa and oak, and the structure to age gracefully for well over a decade if you’ve got the patience and a good cellar.

Food–wise, this is built for slow–cooked and flame–kissed dishes: think slow–roast lamb shoulder, beef short ribs, brisket, osso buco or rich mushroom ragù, where its power and savoury notes soak up fat, smoke and umami effortlessly. It also works brilliantly with aged cheddar or Parmesan and hearty winter stews, making Rusden Black Guts Shiraz 2022 an ideal centrepiece for cold–weather feasts or a special bottle to tuck away for a big occasion down the track.