2010 Rufus Stone Releases – A stand out vintage

Tyrrell’s Rufus Stone reds continue to shine with the soon to be released 2010 vintage. Between the drought affected 2009 vintage and a rain influenced 2011 one, 2010 is set to be a stand out year for the red trio of Heathcote Shiraz, McLaren Vale Shiraz and McLaren Vale Cabernet Malbec.

“Vintage 2010 has produced the spicy, supple style of Victorian shiraz we always hoped for from Heathcote,” said Tyrrell’s red winemaker, Mark Richardson, “The resulting wine is a perfect example of why we are so passionate about the region here at Tyrrell’s.”

The Heathcote Shiraz was co-fermented with a small percentage of viognier to help lift the aromatics and plays a support role to sweet fruit on the mid palate. Dominant regional characters of dark plum and chocolate are mixed with black pepper spiciness, softened and lengthened by 18 months spent in French oak barriques. In McLaren Vale, a hot November and heavy rain in December proved the perfect combination and a provided the base for a stand out vintage.

“This is in my opinion, the best McLaren Vale vintage since 2002,” said Tyrrell’s Managing Director, Bruce Tyrrell, “Perfect vintage conditions allowed us to pick when we wanted and the wines have a wonderful softness and richness on the middle palate that are hallmarks of McLaren Vale.”

Richardson concurs, stating the McLaren Vale Shiraz is all about balance, balance, balance.

“The McLaren Vale Shiraz has ripe, clean fruit flavours, smooth tannins, plenty of length and all at 14% alcohol. We also included a small percentage of local old vine grenache to add complexity and lift the finished wine.”

The McLaren Vale Cabernet Malbec blend is also shaping up to be one of the best to date thanks to a stellar cabernet vintage.

“Usually we add up to 40% malbec to this blend, but this year the cabernet was a near perfect balance of fruit and tannin, and only 23% malbec was needed to maintain the ‘style’ by introducing rich, blackberry and spicy game characters.”

The McLaren Vale Cabernet Malbec was matured in 40% new French Bordeaux coopered oak for 18 months prior to bottling.

The trio of Rufus Stones reds retail for $27.99 each and are available from select independent and chain outlets nationally.

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