Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Produced from 26-year old vines and aged in French oak (80% new), the 2002 Shiraz G. A. M. reveals tremendous fruit purity, but it does not yet reveal secondary nuances. The inky blue/purple color is accompanied by aromas of ink, camphor, graphite, blackberries, and blueberries. While it possesses tremendous purity as well as an enormous full-bodied texture, it is neither heavy nor overbearing. This stunning Shiraz may be even better than the 2002 Savitar. Time will tell. Barrel samples of three 2002s revealed tremendous potential in what appears to be the finest efforts Mitolo has yet produced. There are 300-400 cases of each, and all three are scheduled to be bottled in October. Kudos to young importer (31 years old!) Ben Hammerschlag for unearthing these potential superstars.
Range:95-97 Points
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.