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 - 2006
A dry winter, followed by heavy rains in spring, resulted in vines with healthy, balanced canopies on moist soils. A mild, early summer leading into a warmer period of veraison stopped vegetative growth, allowing vines to channel energy into fruit. The reds were very fragrant with good acidity and length.
Vintage reports courtesy of the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia

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
Vibrant brick red colour with purple hues. Nose shows Hints of nutmeg, crushed leaves and tar with lifted brambly fruit and cloves. Blackcurrant and cassis notes add freshness with the Amarone component adding chocolate and espresso characters. Rich and full-bodied palate, however, maintains a firm structure. Long chain tannin rounds out the palate, providing an elegant wine that tastes of dark berry fruits intermingled with spice and cedar.

Cellaring
Will continue to evolve for 4 to 6 years in bottle.

Tasting Notes
Jester Cabernet Sauvignon | 2006 (1150k)