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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
Tyrrell’s Willunga vineyard is nestled in the heart of the famous McLaren Vale region and features a block of 35 year old Shiraz vines that consistently produce outstanding fruit for the Rufus Stone range.
Fresh aromas of ripe black berries, spicy black pepper and subtle sweet lift of vanillin oak. The palate is full bodied with a long finish reminiscent of pure cocoa chocolate with a savoury edge.
PAST REVIEWS
There’s often a clear quality difference between the two Rufus Stone reds, but this year they are two peas in the most beautiful pod. This is much like the Heathcote Rufus Stone except that it’s darker and more chocolatey, its slippery-smooth skin of flavour overwhelmingly seductive from the get-go. It has a solid tannin structure buried in among the wealth of fruit and oak flavours, and a clear sense of persistence. Bugger the fancy talk: it tastes great and feels great in your mouth. DRINK 2009–2016. Drink: 2013–2022. Price $24; Seal - Screwcap; Value * * * * * Score: 95 points The Big Red Wine Book; Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh.
Big, rich oak quite obvious but it's in balance with the genuine, ripe, sweet varietal fruit and warming alcohol. Winestate - 01 June 2009
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