Vintus

G.A.M. Shiraz, McLaren Vale

G.A.M. represents the first initials of each of the Mitolo children’s first names – Gemma, Alexander and Marco. Fruit is handpicked around mid-March at 2-3 tons an acre from the southeastern section of Mitolo’s McLaren Vale vineyard, where the Shiraz is grown on well drained mineral loam and sandstone soils. This section of the vineyard receives some morning and late afternoon shade allowing a moderated ripening temperature. 10 days fermentation on skins in individual 2 ton fermentation vessels is followed by careful crushing and partial destemming. The wine then undergoes barrel fermentation followed by aging for 16 months in 70% new fine grained French oak. The wine has a dark plum color, and powerful, brooding nose of nutmeg, white-pepper, black cherry and licorice. It is full bodied, with hints of plum and pepper on the palate, multilayered supple, ripe tannins, and finishes with hints of dark chocolate. This wine is elegant, with a robust palate, and shows typical Mitolo softness and richness.

2006 Vintage Reviews:
“Opaque purple in color, it has an aromatic array of roasted coffee, violets, lavender, pepper, Asian spices, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. In the mouth it is velvety-textured, deep, concentrated, opulent, and altogether hedonistic. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2026.” 95 Wine Advocate, October 2007

Previous Vintages:
2005: 95 Wine Advocate, October 2006

2004: 97 Wine Advocate, October 2005

2003: 96-100 Wine Advocate, October 2004

2002: 95-97 Wine Advocate, August 2003

2001: 94 Wine Advocate, October 2002

2000: 90 Wine Advocate, October 2002

2000: 91 Wine Spectator, September 2002