Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2008, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

 

This wine is 100% Shiraz, aged in 100% new medium to light toasted 80% French oak and 20% French coopered American oak for 17 months and alcohol is listed as 14.5% on the label but is advertised at 15% on the winery website.

Pouring a deep purple, this wines aromatics opened up with a bouquet of wild berries, blackcurrants, stewed plums, raisins, eucalyptus, incense, toasty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with a rich texture of layered dark fruit and spices, low acidity and velvet tannins. This Shiraz finish is robust with chocolate covered blueberries and vanilla spices flavours with slightly burning alcohol that leaves a lasting impression. I love both the superb aromatics and the rich mouthfeel but I would have to think that the alcohol is indeed at 15%, leaving you with a hot finish. This is a big imposing Shiraz, tailor made for steaks on the barbie. I would have enjoyed a little more elegance at this price, but still very enjoyable, scored 90 points.

Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (659581) at $54.95