G.A.M. represents the first initial of each of the Mitolo children's first names - Gemma, Alex and Marco.

'Honor nostrorum liverorum pulchrorum'
'In honour of our lineage'

Vineyard
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 a maritime climate, contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins. Yield was around 2.3 tonnes an acre (40 hl/ha) from vines with an average age of 20 year old. Harvest commenced on 18th March 2005.

Vintage - 2005
After a reasonably wet winter, the vines burst well with good early shoot growth. Mild summer temperatures allowed canopies to be maintained right up until vintage time, with minimal irrigation, which resulted in an excellent and even ripening period. Overall the quality was good particularly for Cabernet and Shiraz.

Winemaking
Each parcel of fruit for G.A.M. was fermented on skins for 10 days at cool and 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 natural malolactic fermentation before racking.

Tasting Note
A dense ruby/purple colour. It possesses layers of dried spice, coffee, blackcurrant and the wine displays fullness, freshness and seamless oak integration.

Cellaring
Will drink well for 8 to 10 years.

Tasting Notes
G.A.M. | 2005 (208k)