2009 Mitolo Shiraz Savitar

Wine Advocate
"93+ pts ... Aged 14 months in 100% new oak (90% French / 10% American), the 2009 Savitar Shiraz has a deep garnet-purple color and an earthy / savory nose with notes of tree bark, meat, tobacco and black truffles with a warm mulberry and black plum core plus a fragrant hint of sandalwood. Full bodied with plenty of mouth-filling savory and blackberry flavors, it’s well supported with very crisp acid and a medium level of chewy tannins, finishing long. Still a little tight, it should drink best 2013 to 2020+." --02/12

Winemaker's Notes
"Rich and opulent, the palate is an attack on the senses, however it is also restrained by encompassing but silky tannins. There is layer upon layer of flavours from the dark and brooding blackberry fruit to the more subtle spicy, toasty oak."

Technical Notes
"Each parcel of fruit for Savitar was fermented on skins for 15 days. This slightly longer time on skins ensures a tighter overall structure setting the framework for elongated ageing. Following fermentation, the wine is pressed, and then transferred to oak barrels for maturation. The wine remains in barrels, on lees, for approximately 18 months before individual barrels are carefully selected for the final blend."