Black Guts Shiraz 2023 is Rusden's well-known old-vine Shiraz from the Barossa Valley's Vine Vale sub-district, a step up in depth and seriousness from the estate's lighter reds. This is Rusden's most recognised wine, built on fruit from vines that have been in the ground for decades, and it shows in the density of colour and aroma from the first pour.

The nose is dense with blackberry, black plum and dark chocolate, layered with liquorice, clove and a deep, earthy savouriness that marks out old-vine fruit. There is a meaty, almost umami-like richness that separates it clearly from the estate's lighter, more everyday reds.

The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with firm, ripe tannins that give real structure, and a long finish that carries considerable weight and persistence. Nothing about it feels rushed or simple - the layers keep unfolding glass after glass.

It suits robust dishes - a slow-cooked lamb shoulder, char-grilled rib-eye or hard aged cheese - anything substantial enough to meet its intensity.

This is a wine with the structure to age; expect it to build further complexity over five to ten years in the cellar.