Rusty Mutt Wines: 18 September 2023.
For many wine enthusiasts this might be a new name and wine label to look out for. Though it must be stated that the first vintage of Rusty Mutt Wines was created back in 2006, with the support of some close friends and just three barrels of McLaren Vale Shiraz. After a great deal of hands-on work and many tastings with curious wine lovers, the journey began and now these artisan wines are being enjoyed by all those that enjoy ‘wine with soul’.
Owner and Winemaker Scott Heidrich grew up in the Barossa Valley and studied Wine Science at Roseworthy College graduating in 1991. He then made the move to McLaren Vale in 1993 after a couple of cellar positions in the Barossa. Scott is currently the senior winemaker for another locally iconic McLaren Vale winery. Scott has drawn upon this 3 decades of knowledge and experience to find specific fruit parcels in McLaren Vale which best fit with the Rusty Mutt style. And Scott would be the first to say this range of dynamic wines would not have got off the ground without the incredible support from family and friends.
Scott was born in the year of the ‘Metal Dog’ according to Chinese astrology, which was ‘locally-curtailed’ to ‘Rusty Mutt’ - hence the name. Scott has named several of his wines after family members, associating the wine style with their personality and a Chinese Zodiac sign.
The following 3 wines are a wonderful examples of small batch winemaking, truly allowing the site and seasonal fruit to guide the winemaking and eventual style. Then it is up to Scott to choose the yeast, fermentation temperature, skin contact and time in aged oak to gently encourage and express his style. Across the range to will find an incredibly friendly, approachable character and nature to the structure and smooth finishes. This allows the wines to show well on release and will reward those of you with a little patience in the cellar.
*(The following wines are available in the Australian market & online, and most importantly are ready to sip, savour and share).
Rusty Mutt ‘Savvy Wren’ Pinot Gris 2022
Grape Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - South Australia
Owner / Winemaker: Scott Heidrich
4 Stars ★★★★
The ‘Savvy Wren’ was named for Scott’s sister. The name refers to the local Blue Wren, which is native to the Fleurieu Peninsula, not too far from where the fruit for this wine was sourced. Given the generosity of the fruit and palate weight from McLaren Vale grapes, crafting this was as in Pinot Gris suited the style and personality of the wine.
• On the nose delicate citrus and white floral aromas, infused with a hint of green apples, nashi pear and honeysuckle. These gather into a generous sensory engagement of freshly squeezed apple juice with a good splash of nashi pear, white peach, nectarine and a deft touch of ginger. The acidity is so laid back in this wine, you have this ever so approachable, easy drinking style of Pinot Gris with a smooth texture and lingering juicy finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C : 12.5% Alc. - Off Dry Style : Cellar 12-18 months : *A$28.00
Rusty Mutt ‘Chien Violet’ Shiraz 2022
Grape Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - South Australia
Owner / Winemaker: Scott Heidrich
4 Stars ★★★★
The is the first fully ‘Organic’ Rusty Mutt wine. The grapes came from a certified Organic vineyard called ‘Wit’s End’. This vineyard is known for bright red fruit flavours and violet floral aromas, hence the name ‘Chien Violet’ which translates too ‘Violet Dog’ in French. The growing and the fruit and any additions to the in winery are all certified.
• On the nose you have aromas of ripe plums, small wild berries, violets, dried herbs and a deft hint of spiced cacao. These characters all grow in confidence on the fruit driven medium weight palate showcasing those ripe fleshy plums, dark cherry preserve and infused tobacco all wrapped in finely grain tannins and smooth texture resulting in an early drinking Shiraz with poise, balance and a clean, vibrant classic dry finish.
• Soft decanting & serve between 16°- 18°C : 14% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 3 - 4 years : *A$35.00
Rusty Mutt ‘Conejo Joven’ Tempranillo 2022
Grape Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - South Australia
Owner / Winemaker: Scott Heidrich
5 Stars ★★★★★
This stunning Tempranillo - would make any winemaker in Spain extremely proud to have crafted such a beautiful wine. Named ‘Conejo Joven’ - which in Spanish means ‘Young Rabbit’ - plus it suits the style of wine. As Joven (Young) also relates to a Tempranillo wine produced with little or no oak and released 12 months after harvest.
• You have an inviting aroma of dark cherries, black olives, dried flowers, herbs and a hint of spice. These delightfully ripe characters evolve into engaging, smoothly textured flavours of ripe plums, cherry chocolate and truffles. Gently lifted across the silky medium weighted palate by natural fruit acidity and nicely wrapped seamlessly in well balanced tannins resulting in a well-structured wine and a stunning expression of Tempranillo with a great finish.
• No decanting & serve between 16°- 17°C : 14.5% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 3 - 4 years : *A$32.00
*(prices, vintages & availability will vary by outlet & country)