Rating:
93
Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media
Inky purple. A heady, exotically perfumed bouquet displays dark fruit preserves, smoky Indian spices and violet, with an elegant floral overtone. Juicy, penetrating and energetic, offering intense blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and a touch of star anise. Sweet and seamless on a very long finish that's firmed by youthful, harmonious tannins.
Product Description:
"The Rusden Vineyard is nestled on the deep Vine Vale sand in the foothills below the eastern Barossa Ranges. The early pioneers carved this area out of cypress, blue gum and wattle woodland, once know as Bethany Sandscrub. Our old vines are traditionally cared for and hand tended to ensure their longevity and benefit for future generations. A minimalist approach to winemaking results in an honest representation of the variety. This is a New World wine made in an Old World style to produce a fruit driven wine with dimension, character and balance.
Normally I pick the dark horse but I think that the 2010 really has it all. Not as warm as the 2009, the acidity is what really grabs me this year, but with all the nuances of a warm year. It showing off a perfumed nose, overflowing with spice and violets, miles of velvety, soft fruit and mellow oak, and a great, integrated spine to ensure it ages as well as any Black Guts ever made. This Black Guts is big, but is dances ever so gracefully." - Winery