The 2008 Jester Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep crimson colour, with brick red hues. On the nose liquorice, nutmeg and cassis notes provide a lift to the subtle hints of French oak. It is well rounded on the palate and the firm tannins are complemented by nuances of chocolate, blackcurrant and earth.
After harvest, 20% of the grapes were left to dry, in the traditional Amarone manner on 10 kg drying racks for almost seven weeks, to concentrate flavour. The remaining fruit was fermented on its skins for 6 days at cool temperatures to enhance the pure berry fruit flavour. The wine was then pressed and underwent partial barrel fermentation. Natural malolactic fermentation occurred before the wine was racked. This wine was aged in 2-4 year old French oak for 9 months.
Rainfall in late December and January topped up soil moisture which helped to retain canopy health. The mid January temperatures in McLaren Vale were in the 20ºC range most days and these mild conditions persisted into the start of March. Cool and dry weather during berry ripening were conducive to excellent flavour, colour and phenolic development. Vintage started in the first week of February, slightly earlier than average, with much of the premium fruit off the vine high in natural acid due to the cool early summer and healthy canopies. The heatwave, which saw a record run of 15 days over 35ºC, interrupted perfect vintage conditions in McLaren Vale, causing the most condensed harvest in the region’s history. Whilst there were challenges with the sudden ripening, overall 2008 will be a great year for quality.
The grapes come from the Willunga district of McLaren Vale, where there are heavy grey loam soils over sandstone, intermixed with black Biscay clay. These soils combined with the maritime climate, contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins. Yields are around 4 tons an acre.
Mitolo Wines is a family owned winery, established in 1999 by Frank Mitolo. His vision to create individual, handcrafted premium wines is built on passion and an uncompromising commitment to quality. The winemaker, Ben Glaetzer, became a partner in the business in 2001. The fusion of Frank’s intimate knowledge of the land and business acumen and Ben’s winemaking talent, has resulted in the creation of unique wines that have been met with great critical acclaim.
Other wines produced by Mitolo are available from HarperWells, including: G.A.M. McLaren Vale Shiraz 2005; Reiver Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006.