Italian born, Giacomo was known as the King of all Jesters. Quick witted and a skilled performer, he delighted audiences with his magical acts, juggling, story-telling, music and sorcery. Jester to the Duke’s Court, he spent his early years surrounded by the castle’s opulence and grandeur. Promiscuous by nature, in 1575 he was promptly banished due to scandalous behaviour involving the duke’s daughter. Giacomo Rosé ‘Jester’ celebrates the era where boredom was alleviated through humour and the banal through intellect.

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 to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours. Yield is around 2 tonnes an acre.

Vintage - 2005
Late January through to Late February was quite warm. Sugar Levels shot up quickly but the flavour wasn’t there. From Late February through to Mid-April the conditions cooled down and allowed the flavour to catch up to the sugar levels. This was welcomed by winemakers who reported the production of red as being extremely high quality. Sangiovese reached full flavour ripeness, achieved excellent colour and exhibited great varietal flavours and aromas.

Winemaking
A combination of whole berry and low fermentation temperatures ensures a lifted bouquet. The juice is left on skins for 3 days, then the free run only is drained off and used. The fermentation continues at low temperatures for 3 weeks and is then stopped, with a very slight amount of natural grape sugar retained. The wine is then cold stabilised and filtered before bottling.

Tasting Note
Deep Plum Colour. The nose shows a fragrant combination of red cherry and strawberry aromas. It is rich, juicy and has plenty of mouth-coating flavour. The palate displays layers of red berry fruit which combine with the mineral notes, cut through the hedonistic fruit and lead into a long dry finish. It has excellent intensity and depth of fruit which is carried through to the back palate by the clean acidity and just a touch of tannin to avoid any cloying.

Cellaring
Drink young and fresh. Will age reliably under screwcap for 2 years

Tasting Notes
Jester Cabernet Sauvignon | 2005 (196k)