Subscribe
MalB the self proclaimed Wine Amateur recently posted a favorable review of the Rufus Stone Healthcote Shiraz 2004. As we appear to have similar tastes in reds I hunted down a bottle, however I accidentally ended up with the 2003 vintage.
A deep purple/red in colour, this Shiraz emits aromas of blackberry, plum, spices and alcohol. The first sip was a huge slap across the face of ripe plum and berry fruit, followed by some spices and fine tannins on the lengthy finish. Tyrrell’s have another, more complementary tasting note on their website.
Overall I felt the wine was too fruity and rich for its own good, however over a couple of hours the fruit faded somewhat and the wine became slightly more balanced. The 16% alcohol is hidden fairly well since this Shiraz is so rich. If you love big fruity red wines, this will probably appeal.
Score: 7/10
Price: $20
Closure: Screwcap
Would I buy this wine again?
No, however I will try the 2004 release when it appears at my local bottle shop.
Murray
That’s interesting. I have not tried the 2003. Tyrrells bought vineyards in Heathcote and McLaren Vale around 1997/98 (?). I know it was around the time I started drinking wine. I think their first vintage from both those regions was the 1998. The 1998 Rufus Stone McLaren Vale was very good but I didn’t go much for the Heathcote. I have tried one or two (from both regions) since then and the 2004 Heathcote was the first one that I liked and would buy again. Tony Harper was saying, at the wine course, that the 2004 vintage in Heathcote was very good. I will be interested to see what you make of the 2004.
Comment by MalB — July 1, 2006 @ 5:34 am
I must say I very much enjoyed the rufus stone heathcote shiraz 2003, our local dans will have to order it in as tyhey dont stock them, will see what the 2004 is like
Comment by dave — October 17, 2006 @ 12:32 pm