Whether it's the care taken by Frank Mitolo in the vineyard, or the excellence of Ben Glaezter's skill at making icon wines, each edition of Mitolo is nurtured and developed with a zeal and passion that spares no effort to ensure that the best of everything is brought together to formulate wines of elegance, purity and power. Jester is matured in the same barrels that have been used for prior vintages of Mitolo's most auspicious editions of Shiraz. Jester is upfront and personable for early enjoyment, it over delivers in terms of quality and style.
The Jester comes from the Willunga district at the southern end of McLaren Vale. Heavy grey loam soils over sandstone, intermixed by black Biscay clay, combine with a maritime climate, contributing to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins. Shiraz grapes show excellent quality. Vines are husbanded to yield around four tonnes to the acre. Grapes are immediately crushed and fermented on skins at cooler temperatures to capture and enhance the bright, pure berry fruit. Components are pressed and treated to partial barrel ferments followed by a natural malolactic, matured eighteen months in a selection of seasoned and new French oak barrels.
Opaque dark crimson, deep dark hues. Dark chocolate, anise and all spice dominate the nose, fragrances of bright, vibrant, rich fruit. A revelation of blue and black berries, mocha and a hint of spice on the bouquet. Flavours of plum and liquorice with hints of blackberry and espresso. Exceptional balance, refinement and generousity of flavour, the palate exhibits focused, genuine fruit and subtle, yet structured, tannins in support of an elongated, velvety finish.
