TN: Tyrrells Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2002

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:30 pm

First, thanks to Gavin for organising with Tyrrells for a replacement for a corked bottle.

The nose starts down the coconut, chocolate menthol path, and I'm worried. The palate starts with forest fruits, wintergreen mint, some chocolate, and quite a firm acid backbone. All sound good so far? Well...the fruit flavours are nice and there is some medium grain tannin to close out It is 14.9% alcohol however, and the finish on this has a trace of something ammonia like about it, and that damn acid spine is very bony. 80/100 and Im not going to drink the rest of this. but...

Night 2 and I'm brave for a second try. This has come together rather a lot. Showing more weight and fruit presence. Peanutty oak. Some leather and also some peppery stuff. Much better. 88/100.

AB

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:12 pm

Mate,
are you sure this wasn't a bit corked as well?
Just a bit?...

This wine is one of my favorites, big purple colour, long firm tannin, great grip, balancing acid, beautiful sweet berrry fruit with hints of chocholate and mollassis.

Yummo

Cheers
Smithy

Andrew Jordan · Post by **Andrew Jordan** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:20 pm

Agree with Smithy on this one. Had this at the cellar door last year and thought it was a very nice drop for under $20 to the point I bought a few bottles. May have to crack one to see how they are travelling.

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:23 pm

Guys, funny you should say so. I wondered the same thing, it wasnt the wine I expected, on the first night anyway.

Night two was a faith restorer though.

Did you find it needed decanter time to show its best?

AB

smithy · Post by **smithy** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 2:32 pm

APJordan
You paid how much?

You utter utter sod, I'm sure I paid $25 and was wrapped with the quality for the price!

An envious !
Smithy

lantana · Post by **lantana** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 3:02 pm

Anonymous wrote:8)

Mate,
are you sure this wasn't a bit corked as well?
Just a bit?...

This wine is one of my favorites, big purple colour, long firm tannin, great grip, balancing acid, beautiful sweet berrry fruit with hints of chocholate and mollassis.

Yummo

Cheers
Smithy

Surely if it was corked, even a little bit, it would show more TCA character on the 2nd night than the 1st, wouldn't it?

lantana

smithy · Post by **smithy** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 3:12 pm

Lantana
Sorry the anonymous guest was me...shouldv'e logged in!
I would have thought a little TCA may blow off after 24 hours ( a little anyway) .

TN was more in line with low level TCA which can look tough and hard.

Happens to everybody who uses corks! Though there may be an announcement soon on a decent natural cork...God I hope so!

Cheers
Smithy

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 3:40 pm

smithy wrote:8)
APJordan
You paid how much?

You utter utter sod, I'm sure I paid $25 and was wrapped with the quality for the price!

An envious !
Smithy

Got mine for $19.99/btl from Auswine :-)

lantana · Post by **lantana** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 3:50 pm

smithy wrote:8)
Lantana
Sorry the anonymous guest was me...shouldv'e logged in!
I would have thought a little TCA may blow off after 24 hours ( a little anyway) .

TN was more in line with low level TCA which can look tough and hard.

Happens to everybody who uses corks! Though there may be an announcement soon on a decent natural cork...God I hope so!

Cheers
Smithy

Smithy,

Correct me if I'm wrong, after all you're the pro, but never in all my life have I heard of TCA blowing off, or even diminishing. All my experience has been that even if it starts off just with flat or dull fruit character if you give it 24 hours, then the little wet puppy dog with the mouldy wet cardboard box in it's mouth comes out to play, without fail! Your thoughts?

lantana

Andrew Jordan · Post by **Andrew Jordan** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:05 pm

APJordan
You paid how much?

You utter utter sod, I'm sure I paid $25 and was wrapped with the quality for the price!

An envious !
Smithy

Smithy,

Sorry for upsetting your day! As Wizz already stated above Gavin did have it for $19.99 but my records show that I procured it for $16.99.

For the life of me I cannot remember where from.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:46 pm

apjordan wrote:
APJordan
You paid how much?

You utter utter sod, I'm sure I paid $25 and was wrapped with the quality for the price!

An envious !
Smithy

Smithy,

Sorry for upsetting your day! As Wizz already stated above Bert did have it for $19.99 but my records show that I procured it for $16.99.
For the life of me I cannot remember where from.

Not Bert...Gavin :oops:

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:46 pm

Oops, twas me... :oops:

Andrew Jordan · Post by **Andrew Jordan** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 10:56 am

Thanks Tom .... uh Wizz, corrected now. :oops:

Hypnotoad · Post by **Hypnotoad** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:53 pm

I see that the 2003 Heathcote Rufus Stone is on special for 15.90 (in case/mixed lots) at another retailer this week.

smithy · Post by **smithy** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:04 pm

Lantana,
Quite correct mate!
TCA probably doesn'tblow off and I was confusing wishes with reality again.

Must keep taking those reality pills!

Cheers
Smithy

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 1:01 am

I bought a case of 02 Heathcote as a quaffer. I think it is totally unsuited for this role, as it commands a few years in the cellar and, as Wizz points out, is unexceptional when first opened.

I opened a bottle last night and though more approachable than on release, was still raw and unyeilding.

Tonight, a glass went beautifully with dinner- wife is away so crusty bread with imported continental cheese, German salami and tomato- and by bottles end was showing good class, regionality and persistance.

Not a bad recommendation for beefing up the cellar with Heathcote shiraz that will probably drink like a $30 wine at maturation.

Certainly needs air in youth though.

707 · Post by **707** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 4:19 pm

I'm halfway througfh a case and found that it's always better on the second or third night. It's really a very good wine, not a quaffer at all. I'm putting the rest away for another 2-3 years.

Big Dave · Post by **Big Dave** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 12:43 am

Agreed, definitely a medium termer at least. However I am somewhat jealous of you eastern staters and your cheap grog!! Out here in the sticks, things are a little different - say $22-25 for this wine. Miss those Melbourne days!!

Cheers

Dave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 12:57 am

707 wrote:I'm halfway througfh a case and found that it's always better on the second or third night. It's really a very good wine, not a quaffer at all. I'm putting the rest away for another 2-3 years.

Its strange how some wines are better after 1-3 days and some turn to undrinkable after 1. Majella Cabernets are a classic eg they are deleightfull but after 24 hours turn bitter.