Winemaker Ben Glaetzer
100% McLaren Vale Shiraz in the Willuga district
Mitolo Wines is a family owned winery, established in 1999 by Frank and Simone Mitolo. Their vision is to create individual, handcrafted premium wines built on passion and an uncompromising commitment to quality. This is what defines Mitolo Wines.
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 special and unique wines.
The grapes come from the Willunga district of McLaren Vale, where the heavy grey loam soils over sandstone, intermixed with black Biscay clay, combined with the maritime climate, contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins.
Mitolo Savitar 2005 5 star Award
Liquorice, almond, blackberry spice, clove, coffee. Bit closed though. Soft, supple fruit, good lifting acidity and integrated tannins. Menthol but should blend well. 5 -1 0 years.
Decanter Magazine, February 2008
Savitar was fermented on skins for fifteen days at 28-32ºC to soften the skins and release the juice. A slightly longer period on skins ensured a tighter overall structure. Only the best barrels are selected for the final Savitar blend. After pressing, the wine underwent partial barrel fermentation followed by natural malolactic fermentation before racking.
Displays intense plum/garnet colour. The nose shows masses of smoky cedar, plums, cherry and dried herbs. Full-bodied and opulent yet managing to maintain supple, refined tannins and a clean fresh finish.
Named after a mythical monster, the 2005 Shiraz Savitar emerges from rocky, low vigor soils, and was aged for 16 months in primarily new French oak barrels. Dazzling aromas of acacia flowers, blueberries, crushed rocks, graphite, licorice, and espresso roast emerge from this tightly knit but intense, fleshy, rich effort. Its multilayered palate, huge body, sweet tannin, and “monster” finish suggest this brilliant wine will be drinkable between 2008 and 2020. It is a superb example of McLaren Vale Shiraz. 96/100 Robert Parker.