Vintus

Jester Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale

Jester Cabernet is a blend of several blocks within the Lopresti vineyard in the Willunga district, all the way at the southern tip of McLaren Vale and on the coast. The vineyard soil types are heavy grey loam over sandstone soils, with black cracking Biscay clays intermixed. These soils have excellent water-holding capacity and require minimal irrigation. Being so close to the coast the vines experience warm summer days that contribute to fruit intensity and excellent tannin ripeness, and cooling afternoon sea breezes and nights maintain good acid levels in the grapes, allowing extended maturation on the vine and resulting in complexity of the flavor profile.  

• 2010 Vintage

  • The McLaren Vale experienced a mild growing season with ideal conditions for budburst and flowering for this 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. Most inland regions had a reduction in set due to the burst of heat in November however in McLaren Vale, due to its proximity to the ocean, the effects were nullified. Good early season rainfall contributed to the already rejuvenated water table and the fruit ripened evenly without any heat stress. Cool nights and mild days allowed good acid maintenance, keeping the fruit bright and flavorsome but above all, balanced.

    A dense purple, with masses of blueberries, cassis and leather with intense aromas of coffee and mocha.  On the palate, spicy lifted and pure, juicy savory tannins, richness and elongated length.  

• 2009 Vintage

  • “Frank Mitolo kindly flew in all of his new releases a few weeks ago for assessment and any one of them could have made this list. After forensic examination, Jester Cab was the champion of the Jester duo, once again, by virtue of the dribble of Serpico that it is kindly allowed to slurp. This inky addition makes Jester’s fruit transcendental in its delivery of cassis, dark chocolate and liquorice flavours. This wine could teach the whole of South America about fruit/oak/alcohol balance such is its impeccable fulcrum of flavours.” Matthew Jukes’ 100 Best Australian Wines

• 2008 Vintage

  • "Opaque ruby. Youthful, high-pitched aromas of red and dark berries, with a touch of anise. Juicy, palate-staining black raspberry and licorice flavors are enlivened by zesty minerality, picking up a spicy quality with air. Nervy and pure on the long, spicy aftertaste. No excess fat here." 90 Points International Wine Cellar

• 2007 Vintage

  Vintage 2007 was dominated by very low rainfall- approximately half the average of the previous recorded growing seasons. The extreme growing conditions resulted in a harvest that saw crop loads 45-50% below the average due to lighter bunches, resulting from drought conditions. 

  Harvest was the earliest on record with some varieties being picked mid to late January due to accelerated ripening as a result of small, low weight bunches. All red varieties were down substantially in yield due to smaller berry size, however quality across the board at Mitolo was very good to exceptional.

  Lifted peppery spice leads into an herbaceous mix of blackberries, currants and cloves. The partial Amarone method produces hints of liquorice, tar and leather whilst remaining fresh and vibrant. The youthful tannin structure will evolve over the next few years to become soft, supple and smooth.

  • "The 2007 Jester Cabernet Sauvignon spent 11 months in oak. Purple-colored, the nose reveals smoke, black currant and cassis. This leads to a medium to full-bodied ripe wine with excellent depth and concentration. Currently the wine is a bit tight but 1-2 years of additional bottle age should round it out nicely. It should be at its peak from 2010 to 2017." 90 Points Wine Advocate

• 2006 Vintage

  In 2006, a dry winter, followed by heavy rains, in spring, resulted in vines with healthy, balanced canopies on moist soils. A mild, early summer leading to a warmer period during veraison stopped vegetative growth, allowing vines to channel energy into the fruit. Hot weather conditions caused some stress in late summer, with balanced vines showing great resilience and high potential.  Winemakers and growers did  however  observe crops to be 20-30% lower than the 2005 vintage. Reds were very fragrant with good acidity and length. Shiraz showed excellent quality.

  Vibrant brick red colour with purple hues. Nose shows Hints of nutmeg, crushed leaves and tar with lifted brambly fruit and cloves. Blackcurrant and cassis notes add freshness with the Amarone component adding chocolate and espresso characters. Rich and full-bodied palate, however, maintains a firm structure. Long chain tannin rounds out the palate, providing an elegant wine that tastes of dark berry fruits intermingled with spice and cedar.

  • "The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon “Jester” includes 20% dried grapes in the style of Amarone. Purple-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of black fruits, tar, and violets. This leads to a smooth-textured, layered, dense wine with enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. It has a long, pure finish and can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years. It is a superb value in Cabernet Sauvignon." 92 Points Wine Advocate

  • "Bright purple. Deeply concentrated blackberry and blueberry aromas are brightened by exotic flowers, tobacco and Asian spices. Supple dark berry preserve flavors coat the palate, with gentle tannins adding support. Finishes with impressive cling and length, echoing the dark fruit and floral notes. I'd err on the side of youth and drink this over the next few years to best enjoy its flamboyant fruit." 90 Points International Wine Cellar