Wilson Gunn Bellum Shiraz Cabernet 2010

Henry Laithwaite named this sumptuous McLaren Vale red after his Scottish ancestors (on his mother's side), the Wilson Gunn clan. They were noted both for their ferocity in times of conflict and their tranquility in times of peace, hence their motto, depicted on the label, pax aut bellum ' 'peace or war'. The Bellum is Henry's flagship wine, created from the most concentrated and structured cuvées of the vintage ' Shiraz providing dark, ripe fruit and Cabernet adding more savoury notes. Twenty months in a combination of French and American oak barrels have added a powerful seam of spicy vanilla. Rich, powerful and wonderfully smooth, it will make a fine partner for roast lamb or beef, slow roasted goose, cured meats or farmhouse cheeses.