Review: Rusty Mutt Rocky Ox Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2018

Rusty Mutt is the label of Geoff Merrill Wines winemaker Scott Heidrich, who crafts generous, warm-hearted McLaren Vale reds (and a chunky Viognier). This Rusty Mutt Rocky Ox Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2018 too is a warm, red fruited Grenache blend with an easy open expression of juicy red fruit. It dips a little too much into late warmth to be completely seductive but has a nice savoury tang on the back end though. Good honest drinking. Best drinking: now to five years. 17/20, 90/100. 14.5%, $35. Rusty Mutt website. Would I buy it? A bit ripe for my tastes but I’d have a glass.