Vintus

Savitar Shiraz, McLaren Vale

“Savitar” is a mythical dragon-like monster, and this wine is so named because of the impression Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer had upon tasting one particular lot in the Willunga vineyard. They were so blown away they decided to make a Shiraz from just the small lot, and Savitar was created.

This Shiraz is handpicked at 1-2 tons an acre from the northern section of the Mitolo vineyard, where the rocky, skeletal soils and low vigour leaf and bunch numbers heighten the fruit exposure, resulting in a wine that shows ripened cassis and restrained savory tannins. 10 days fermentation on skins in ndividual 2 ton fermentation vessels is followed by careful crushing and partial destemming. The wine then undergoes partial barrel fermentation and aging for 16 months in 90% new fine grained French oak. Opaque purple in color, with an intense combination of black plum, cherry and smoke with hints of French oak and spice. The palate is full bodied yet tight and focused. Flavors of pepper and blackcurrant dominate with hints of clove, tobacco and earth adding further layers. Full bodied on the palate, with restrained tannins, powerful and elegant with multi dimensional complexity.

2006 Vintage Reviews:
“Purple-colored, the aromatics are a bit reticent initially, but soon scents of toasty oak, tar, licorice, scorched earth, and blueberry emerge. This leads to a wine which is more structured and less opulent than its peers. It will evolve for a minimum of 8-10 years and drink well through 2040. As a point of reference, the 2002 Savitar (rated 95) was presented. It is considerably more developed aromatically but still has a significant distance to travel prior to reaching its peak.” 94+ Wine Advocate, October 2007

Previous Vintages:
2005: 96 Wine Advocate, October 2006

2004: 98 The Wine Advocate, October 2005

2003: 94-97 Wine Advocate, October 2004

2002: 94-96 Wine Advocate, August 2003

2001: 93 Wine Advocate, August 2003