“I called my wine range ‘Rusty Mutt’ as I was born in the Year of The Metal Dog in Chinese Astrology. Metal Dog was then ‘Australianised’ to Rusty Mutt.”
“The Rocky Ox GSM was named after my daughter Kara, who was born in the Year of the Earth Ox.” – Scott Heidrich (Owner / Winemaker)
THE BLEND
Grenache 69% / Shiraz 21% / Mataro 10%
REVIEWS / SCORES
94 points – Wine Showcase Magazine
93 points – Sam Kim (Wine Orbit)
“Beautifully ripe and complex, the bouquet shows dark plum, raspberry, olive and mixed spice aromas, followed by a silky-smooth palate that’s juicy and rounded. The wine offers excellent fruit purity with spicy nuances, finishing lingering and soothing.”
This wine's time has come to an end, but now I have a new range. Vin Sōl is my new label. Same hands, same love of McLaren Vale, and now a new chapter to the story.
When most people think of McLaren Vale they think of Shiraz. However, many winemakers like myself think about Grenache. This is a very versatile variety. You can make anything from the lightest, most delicate Rosé to a full bodied red, or tawny port! Grenache typically does not have as much natural tannin as Shiraz or Cabernet from the same area but it makes up for it with flavour. Grenache has a very broad range of fruit aromas and flavours it can display, such as strawberry, raspberry, black and white pepper, violets and savoury meats just to scratch the surface. When blended with Shiraz and Mataro, the fullness, length and texture can be brought to new levels. If I had to choose one wine style from McLaren Vale to drink from now on, this would be it.
TASTING NOTES
“A bright purple / red with good depth and vibrancy. There’s a crisp, bright red berry aroma that immediately comes forward. More subtle notes of earth, savoury meat, musk sticks and violets show themselves as the wine opens up. Luscious Grenache fruit flavours quickly fill the mouth attempting to hide the complex workings underneath. Slowly but surely, fleshy ripe tannins grow and spread revealing a structure and acidity that will keep the wine alive for many years to come.”
Scott Heidrich (Owner / Winemaker)
Style features
Open fermented, hand plunged and basket pressed. Matured in 4+YO French Puncheons.
Vintage Rating
8/10. A healthy growing season which produced bright concentrated wines.
Food Matching
Enjoy with farmed Kangaroo and Berry Glaze, Lamb Cutlets, Pork with Pomegranate Glaze, Sticky Pork Ribs, Turkey with Cranberry Glaze. Finish with a medium strong Blue Cheese or White Castello.
