Vintus

Jester Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale

Monarcho was the most eccentric of all Jesters in the court of Elizabeth I. He was the only fool named by Shakespeare in any of his works, and featured in “Love’s Labour’s Lost”. Italian born, the usually blue attired Monarcho was more intelligent and politically aware than his court persona.

Jester Cabernet is a “baby” Serpico, using a blend of Cabernet grapes off the Mitolo McLaren Vale vineyard. 25% of the grapes are left to dry on 10 kg drying racks for 7 weeks and 3 days in the traditional Amarone winemaking method to enhance the flavor, complexity and texture of the wine. The fruit for Jester is fermented on skins for 5 to 6 days at a cool temperature to enhance the pure berry fruit. The wine is then pressed and undergoes partial barrel fermentation before aging in 2-4 year old French oak for 9 months. This wine has a beautiful fragrance of cassis, blackberry, mulberry and plum aromas. The palate is rich and robust with excellent concentration, complex fruit and integrated oak with loads of dark fruits and hints of earth and mocha. The soft and supple tannins lead to a long finish.

2006 Vintage Reviews:
“Purple-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of black fruits, tar, and violets. This leads to a smooth-textured, layered, dense wine with enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. It has a long, pure finish and can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years. It is a superb value in Cabernet Sauvignon.” 92 Wine Advocate, October 2007

2005 Vintage Reviews:
“The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Jester, which was aged in three and four year old French oak barrels, receives a touch of Amarone-like treatment with 20% of the grapes dried on racks. A superb effort, it boasts a deep ruby/purple color and loads of blueberry and cassis fruit as well as hints of roasted meat and spice box. Medium to full-bodied with good acidity, ripe tannin, and beautiful texture and length, this stunning Cabernet may be one of the world’s best values in Cabernet Sauvignon!” 91 Wine Advocate, October 2006