Monarcho was the most eccentric of all Jesters in the court of Elizabeth 1. He was the only fool named by Shakespeare in any of his works and featured in “Loves Labour Lost”. Italian born , the usually blue attired Monarcho was more intelligent and politically aware than his court persona. After starring as the fool for six years, he retired in 1575 and died shortly after in 1580.

Vineyard
The grapes come from the Willunga district of McLaren Vale, where the 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. Yield is around 4 tons an acre.

Vintage - 2004
A longer than usual vintage attributed to cool conditions during ripening. Cabernet Sauvignon reached full flavour ripeness, excellent colour, and tannin with wines exhibiting great varietal flavours and aromas.

Winemaking
20% of the grapes were left to dry on the 10kg drying racks for 8 weeks in the traditional Amarone manner to concentrate flavour. The fruit for Jester is fermented on skins for 5 to 6 days at a cool temperature to enhance the pure berry fruit. The wine is then pressed and undergoes partial barrel fermentation. A natural malolactic fermentation is completed before the wine is racked.

Aged in 2-4 year old French oak for 9 months.

Tasting Note
This wine has a beautiful fragrance of cassis, blackberry, mulberry and plum aromas. The palate is rich and robust with excellent concentration, complex fruit and integrated oak. There is loads of dark fruits on offer with hints of earth and mocha. The soft and supple tannins lead in to a long finish.

Cellaring
Will age reliably under screwcap for 5-8 years

Tasting Notes
Jester Cabernet Sauvignon | 2004 (192k)