Wilson Gunn Bellum Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

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21 November 2025

Wilson Gunn is a label under the RedHeads Wine umbrella, part of a wider Laithwaites family venture. RedHeads itself began life in the 1990s in McLaren Vale, launched by a band of winemakers with a rebellious streak and a mission to produce honest, small-batch wines outside the commercial mould.

Henry Laithwaite, the eldest son of Tony and Barbara Laithwaite, began his winemaking journey in McLaren Vale. Around 2005, he found himself at RedHeads, working on this blend in its earlier form, building his experience with this bold style.

The name Bellum draws from the Latin phrase “Aut pax aut bellum” meaning “either peace or war” , a motto carried by the Scottish Gunn family, ancestors of Henry. Known equally for their intensity in battle and calm in peaceful times, the sentiment mirrors the wine’s character, offering a moment of calm in a restless world.

This Australian red blend brings together two heavyweight regions: Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and Barossa Shiraz. The 2023 vintage comes in at 14.5% ABV.

Aromatically, there’s a rush of ripe cherry and eucalyptus, with a touch of oak emerging after a bit of time in the glass. In colour, it’s a deep purple-black, dark and brooding. The taste reveals plush layers of dark fruit, wrapped in spice and a chocolate-laced depth that lingers toward the end. Despite some online descriptions of high tannins in this blend, they are actually low, giving it a softer structure. The body is full, and the finish is long, warming and spiced, leaving a lasting impression. The presence of Cabernet adds complexity and richness, bringing more weight and depth than Shiraz alone would offer. I’m not sure if it was me or the wine, but this turned into one of those bottles that really comes into its own after a few days open, to the point where I actually started thinking I should buy a few bottles.

Available from Laithwaites at £16.99 per bottle.

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