Vintus

Reiver Shiraz, Barossa Valley

“Reiver” were the border raiders of the Anglo-Scott borders. Throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the border country was ravaged by lawless Reiver families in a vicious cycle of raid, reprisal and blood feud. Their allegiance was first to the family, not the crown. It could be that Frank Mitolo’s entrance into the traditionally German Barossa Valley inspired this name.

The wine is made from Shiraz on free draining soils over limestone, from a high altitude site in Greenock. Sixty year old Shiraz vines have thrived here, unirrigated since planting. Handpicked at 1.5 tons per acre, the fruit is rich and has balanced concentration. 10 days fermentation on skins in individual 2 ton fermentation vessels is followed by careful crushing and partial destemming. Following partial barrel fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in 100% Limousin medium to light toast barrels. The wine has an inky black/purple color and masses of blackberry and cassis on the nose with wisps of spice-laden French oak. Also a multi-layered palate of vanilla, nutmeg, ripe soft tannin and leather, and a full flavored finish with notes of licorice and espresso. A statement in Barossa elegance and approachability.

2006 Vintage Reviews:
“Opaque purple in color, it has an enthralling perfume of saddle leather, truffle, violets, pepper, blueberry, toast, and blackberry. This leads to a full-bodied wine which manages to retain elegance. Opulent, ripe, and layered with spicy blue and black fruits, the wine has enough underlying structure for extended cellaring. Nicely integrated and long in the finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 12-15 years.” 94 Wine Advocate, October 2007

Previous Vintages:
2004: 94 Wine Advocate, October 2006

2003: 95-99 Wine Advocate, October 2004

2002: 94-96 Wine Advocate, August 2003