Richard Tarlton was favourite among jesters to Queen Elizabeth I. Tarlton was the first to achieve national celebrity as a comedian and enjoyed a successful career in theatre as a leading member of the Queen’s Players. As a writer, he was the author of popular ballads and plays. ‘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 even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins. Yield is around 4 tons an acre.

Vintage - 2007
Unprecedented seasonal conditions have reduced yields to a 30 year low. The 2007 harvest commenced six weeks early. The major seasonal influence on the 2007 crop was the severe drought conditions experienced across much of the country however an episode of rain in mid January improved the situation for many growers by refreshing the vines. Winemakers report that many red varieties bunch numbers were near average, however there were fewer berries per bunch than usual and the berries were small. Quality is thought to be good to excellent. Absence of disease is a primary factor in this outcome. Conditions appear to be more favourable to reds with smaller red berry size traditionally associated with higher quality through intensification of flavour and colour. Courtesy of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation.

Winemaking
Each parcel of 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 Notes
Deep cherry jube in colour, the 2007 Jester Shiraz continues to show bright, vibrant, rich fruit. A revelation of blue and black berries, there is mocha and a hint of spice on the nose. The palate exhibits focused, genuine fruit and subtle, yet structured, tannins support a velvety elongated finish.

Cellaring:
Will cellar well for 6 to 8 years.

Tasting Notes
Jester Shiraz | 2007 (1150k)