88
points
Rufus Stone 1998 Shiraz (McLaren Vale)
-
$30
Toast and matchstick notes on the nose are met with, depending who you talk to, either grape Hi-C aromas, or dark, musky ones. We had just as many arguments about what was happening on the palate, but if grapes, menthol, black-tea, or tart black-cherry flavors sound good to you, you’re in luck. Medium-weight and well-balanced, finishing with tart, peppery oak flavors.
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)