Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon is a savoury, generously fruited McLaren Vale Cabernet with the richness of its warm coastal home balanced by bright acidity and fine structure. Blackberry, blackcurrant, dark cherry and sweet plum are layered with sage, clove, cedar and tobacco, creating a medium-bodied red with plenty of character without excessive weight. Seasoned oak keeps the fruit firmly in focus, while soft tannins make it approachable now. A smart match for grilled beef, slow-cooked lamb, hearty pasta dishes or a mushroom and herb risotto.

What the winery says:

The fruit came from the Lopresti Lot 11 Vineyard in Whites Valley, less than four kilometres from the McLaren Vale coastline. Black Biscay clay with limestone deposits helps produce concentrated fruit while retaining finesse and balanced acidity, with coastal breezes moderating daytime heat. The grapes were destemmed and crushed into eight-tonne fermenters, with twice-daily pump overs and gentle extraction at cool temperatures between 20 and 24°C. Fermentation finished in stainless steel before natural malolactic fermentation and 12 months of maturation in seasoned hogsheads, comprising 80% French and 20% American oak. The wine was bottled without fining and with light filtration.

What the experts say:

Tony Love, WinePilot, 92/100 (2021 Vintage)
"Crushed black berries and tobacco leaf to entice, liqueured fruit cake, dark chocolate, rich plum compote."

Ken Gargett, WinePilot, 91/100 (2021 Vintage)
"A wine of medium length, good concentration and abundant tannins, this will drink well now and at any time over the next eight years."