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2008 G.A.M. Shiraz
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G.A.M. represents the first initial of each of the Mitolo children's first names - Gemma, Alex and Marco.
CLOSURE • Stelvin
APPEARANCE • Deep cerise with vibrant hues
MATURATION • Aged in fine grained oak predominantly hogsheads (70% new being a blend of 80% French and 20% French coopered American oak plus 30% being one and two year old French/American oak) for 16 months. A total of 16 coopers are used for the Mitolo oak regime.
BOUQUET • Notes of black cherry and dark chocolate with leafy espresso and mocha tones.
PALATE • Impressive richness and earthiness, showing savoury dusty tannins with intriguing length.
CELLARING • Will age reliably for 10 years.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2008
Varietal
Shiraz
Harvest Date
6th March 2008
Acid
6.98
PH
3.43
Bottling Date
8th February 2009
Residual Sugar
3.4
Alcohol %
15
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Deep purple, the nose is an intense combination of smoked herbs, liquorice and blackcurrants leading to a full bodied palate with notes of cassis and cracked pepper.
Ratings
92 points - Wine Advocate, Robert Parker
94 points - Australian Wine Companion, James Halliday
94 points - Australian Wine Companion, James Halliday
Vineyard Notes
The G.A.M. Shiraz comes from the Chinese Block vineyard which is located in the Willunga district at the southern end of McLaren Vale. The soils, which are heavy grey loam soils over sandstone, intermixed with black Biscay clay, combined with the maritime climate,
contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins.
Production Notes
Rainfall in late December and late January topped up soil moisture to retain canopy health. Mid-January the temperatures in McLaren Vale were in the 20 degree range most days and these mild conditions persisted into the start of March. Cool and dry conditions
during berry ripening were conducive to excellent flavour, colour and phenolic development. Vintage started in the first week of February, slightly earlier than average, with much of the premium fruit off the vine with high natural acid due to the cool early
summer and healthy canopies. The heatwave, which saw a record run of 15 days over 35 degrees, interrupted perfect vintage conditions in McLaren Vale, causing the most condensed harvest in the region’s history. Whilst there were challenges with the sudden
ripening, overall 2008 will be a great year for quality.
Winemaker Notes
Each parcel of fruit for G.A.M. was fermented on skins for 10 days at cool & warm temperatures. The cool temperature assists in making the finished wine more approachable and the warm temperature gives more structure. G.A.M. uses a blend of the two. The wine was then pressed and underwent partial barrel fermentation followed by
malolactic fermentation before racking.