1998 Tyrrell's Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz

This is the second release of this wine and whilst the 1997 was a freak it was no fluke, with the 1998 being another outstanding wine. This vineyard has the potential to become one of the superstars of Heathcote and when compared to some of the other high flyers of the region it is remarkable value for money. 1998 was a very warm, dry year in Heathcote with the low yielding vines producing very ripe concentrated fruit. The wine was matured in small oak barriques mostly new and one year old French barriques with the balance in American. After 8 months maturation, the compenents were blended and returned to oak for a further 8 months.
Superb colour - opaque purple crimson with mauve edges. The nose is magnificent with distinct varietal character, and delightful aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, liquorice allsorts and vanilla spice. The palate has that classic Heathcote characteristic of strong blackpepper which totally encases the mouth, hits the back palate and then lasts as one of the most extended aftertastes that one is likely to experience. Superb juxtaposition of flavour. Fine grained, velvet smooth tannins. An outstanding red.
Cellar 5-8 years.
STOCKS ARE VERY LIMITED - BE QUICK!

Retasted: April 2003
This was the second vintage of the Tyrrell’s Rufus Stone Heathcote Shirazreleased, with 1997 being the first. We haverecently acquired a small parcel of the re-released 1998 Rufus StoneHeathcote Shiraz and the wine is developingsuperbly, which vindicates our original assessment of the excellent qualityof the first two releases. Subsequentreleases have not reached the heights of either the 1997 or 1998 vintages.
Opaque crimson colour, with deep crimson hue. Superb, lifted nose, with topnotes of cedar, spice, cocoa, blackberry andplum. Mouthfilling palate - layers of spice, confectionary, violetinfusions, blackcurrant and cocoa emerge, followed bya blackpepper back palate. Fine grained tannins followed by a very longblackpepper, cedar and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 3-4 years (2006-2007)
Alc/Vol 14.7%

RATING: 96/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5