The Rubus Project was created by Fran Kysela as a way to source & sell incredible wines at value prices. All wines in this international project are hand-selected by Fran Kysela. Rubus wines are fruit driven, true-to-type values that over deliver - a true representation of quality for the consumer at an excellent price.
The grapes for this wine were sourced from the second largest vineyard owner in the Barossa Valley, mostly from Bay of Biscay soils. The wine features 15% super premium Shiraz, which was aged in rich American oak coopered in France (more delicate & yielding more elegant, longer tannins). The remaining wine saw American oak, most of which was sourced from the Appalachian mountain range. The coopers say that these barrels add a spicy nose and creamy mid palate, almost like lemon cream. They tend to have less sweet oak character and therefore helps retain the perception of acid line.
This richly concentrated Barossa Shiraz is indicative of the style for which Australia's top production region is famous. The wine is dark in color, rich and dense. There are ample tannins balanced by the powerful fruit. You will note the hints of blackberries, mint, and eucalyptus flavors upfront and in the finish.
Try Rubus Barossa Shiraz with rich dishes like lamb shank, Osso bucco, beef steak or roast duck.
"Made for the American importer, Kysela Père et Fils, by Thorn-Clarke, the 2018 Shiraz offers a bold mouthful of slightly jammy cherry and berry fruit. Hints of dried spices and vanilla add nuance to a full-bodied, supple wine that delivers plenty of flavor. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #253, February 2021), 88 pts
"Blackberry, currant and blueberry flavors are dense, intense and powerful, mingling with black licorice, sage and spice notes, with a brambly undertone. A spicy hint lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,200 cases made. - MaryAnn Worobiec"
- Wine Spectator (November 15th 2018), 90 pts
"One of my favorites in the lineup was the 2015 Shiraz Barossa (there’s 2% Viognier in the blend), which sports a deep purple color as well as a blockbuster nose of plums, blackberries, candied violets, and incense, with just a hint of eucalyptus showing with time in the glass. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness, an opulent, sexy texture, no hard edges, and a great finish, it’s a lot of wine for the money. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (March 27th 2019), 90 pts
"Dark nearly opaque violet color. Spicy, herbal aromas and flavors of eucalyptus, menthol mint, and blueberry chutney with a satiny, tangy, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long chocolate drizzled berries and cherries and toffee finish with fine, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A vibrant, spicy Shiraz with balance."
- Beverage Testing Institute (December 15th 2016), 93 pts + GOLD MEDAL & BEST BUY
"Rubus is a label for wines selected by the fine American importer Fran Kysela, MS. The 2013 is a full-bodied, velvety-textured Barossa Shiraz, offering a rich, luxuriousmouthfeel. Cedar and mocha notes are apparent, but there’s ample underlying plummy fruit and a long, plush finish. Drink now–2020. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Wine Enthusiast (October 2015 and May 2016), 92 pts + Editor's choice
"My favorite of the Rubus selections from Kysela is the 2013 Shiraz, a blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier coming from Australia's Barossa Valley. This is a big, beefy wine with an opaque purple color and a chewy, fleshy mouthfeel with notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice and tar. The wine is full, rich and an outstanding value. Drink it over the next 3-4 years."
- Wine Advocate (March 2016), 90 pts - Excellent wine values for under $25
- Wine Spectator (June 15th 2014), 90 pts
- Wine Spectator (April 30th 2012), 90 pts
In today’s wine market, consumers have more choices than ever. There are shelves stocked with flashy labels, trendy wine names, and unique packaging. As winemakers and merchants fight to get ...
Read More
