2017 Original Shiraz

Rated 4.75 out of 5 based on 8 customer ratings

$35.00 – $378.00

This Shiraz blend is named ‘Original’ since this was the first Rusty Mutt blend made by owner Scott Heidrich. This blend is deep red with hues of purple. The aroma buds from spice, herbs, leather and game, white pepper, and mulberry notes. With a warm, smooth, and acidic palate, it is matured for 2+ years in American and French hogsheads and puncheons.

I named this Shiraz ‘Original’ since Shiraz was the first Rusty Mutt wine I made. Rusty Mutt is derived from ‘Metal Dog’ in Chinese Astrology and my wines carry many of my personality traits. Being cautious, self reliant and having a ‘never give up’ attitude with great attention to detail certainly helps with Winemaking. I won’t tell you what the ‘bad’ traits are! I’m in denial… 🙂

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Showing off the strengths of McLaren Vale.

Shiraz

There is no doubt that Shiraz grows well in McLaren Vale. The Mediterranean climate of McLaren Vale is further enhanced by the maritime affects of the St Vincent Gulf, merely a stones throw away from some vineyards. The bright sunny days and cool nights ensure a long, healthy ripening season producing great flavour, colour and tannin while preserving the natural grape acidity. We let the vineyards do the talking by preserving and enhancing the fruit with gentle hand-plunging and basket pressing.

Tasting notes; “The colour is a deep plum red with purple hues. On the aroma. spice, leather and game, with herbs, white pepper and mulberry notes. The palate is warm, smooth and long with good acidity providing a fine structure along its length. There are plenty of red berry fruits just waiting to come forward once its youthful tannin softens.” Scott Heidrich, Winemaker.

Wine Pilot Review by Angus Hughson – 91 Points
“This is a wine very much of its vintage with the cooler season just taking the edge off a chunky McLaren Vale shiraz. It’s four years of age but still super youthful – hearty blackberry, cocoa, olive tapenade fruits are joined by plenty of coconut-scented oak to give quite a dense wine. It’s a bit more lively on the palate – crisp acidity from the cooler year helping to give big dollops of voluptuous fruit a kick along and it finishes with good length. Not quite your traditional McLaren Vale shiraz but it certainly has the local stamp of big flavours.”