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NOTES
The Rufus Stone name links the latest chapter in the Tyrrell’s story with one of its very first. The story of the Rufus Stone dates back to medieval England, and refers to the death of King William II (known as Rufus). Rufus was believed to have been mistakenly killed by an errant arrow fired by Sir Walter Tyrrell – an ancestor of the Tyrrell family. Today, the site of this infamous accident is marked by the Rufus Stone.
Since 1997, Tyrrell’s historic association with the “Rufus Stone” has been utilised for our top non Hunter Valley red wines from its vineyards in Heathcote (Victoria) and McLaren Vale (South Australia). These robust and full bodied red wines demonstrate true varietal characteristics typical of their region.
TASTING NOTES
Situated just over 100kms north of Melbourne, Heathcote is undoubtedly Australia’s most exciting red wine producing region. Its unique topography provides the most fertile climate and soil for Shiraz vines to thrive, producing grapes which are commended for their ability to fully ripen, yet still retain excellent levels of natural acidity and fine grain tannins.
Deep rich red to crimson in colour indicates the intensity of this wine. The nose is full of ripe plum and dark cherries with a hint of white pepper and sweet vanillin. The flavours carry onto the palate which is full of big soft fruit, but balanced by an elegant oak structure and natural acid, resulting in a rich wine with a complex and fresh structure.
PAST REVIEWS
Just when we started to wonder whether the Rufus Stone dream was fading a little, it has burst back to best ever form over the past year or two. Both are now smashing reds. You have to taste this to believe it. It is monumentally delicious – it’s really worth raiding the piggy bank over. It’s seamless and smooth, and packed with juicy flavour. It tastes of plums and sandalwood, musky oak and cloves. It’s a touch exotic, but mostly (simply) mesmerising in it sheer attractiveness. You just want to drink it and drink it and drink it – is there any better recommendation? Drink: 2013–2022. Price $24; Seal - Screwcap; Value * * * * * Score: 94 points The Big Red Wine Book; Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh.
Tyrrell's Rufus Stone 2007 Heathcote Shiraz has an intense, sweet fruit oak on the nose. This combination follows through to dominate the front and middle palate. Australian Gourmet Traveller - 16 April 2009
This excellent pair (Rufus Stone Heathcote & Rufus Stone McLaren Vale) from Tyrrell's invariably attracts trade attention, resulting in very low prices for wines of such quality and provenance. As I write they're available for as little as $15.99 by the dozen - a real bargain, as they are so delicious and have the capacity to age well for another five or six years. The Heathcote (Victoria) wine is a big but harmonious red - generously fruity and showing peppery varietal character with fine soft tannins. Sunday Canberra Times - 26 April 2009
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