The wine name 'Savitar' refers to a mythical dragon-like monster.

'Sui magna cauda caeli astra verrit eaque ad terram jecit'
'His great tail swept the stars from the sky and flung them to the earth'.

Vineyard
The Shiraz grapes for Savitar are hand harvested two weeks later than G.A.M, from the Willunga district of McLaren Vale. The soil structure is rocky and skeletal and only one third of a tonne per acre is harvested from this vineyard.

Vintage - 2002
The 2002 vintage in McLaren Vale has produced some exceptional wines despite lower than average yields in many of the vineyards with many winemakers comparing the 2002 vintage with the 1990 and 1998 vintages. The summer was South Australia's coolest on record and allowed for a cooler ripening period for all varieties meaning flavour ripeness was gained at high sugar levels, while good natural acidity was maintained. Shiraz showed intense colour, structured tannins and the flavours and ideal levels of natural acidity.

Winemaking
Grapes are harvested according to flavour profile with frequent trips to the vineyard before and during vintage to assess the flavours. Each parcel of fruit is fermented on skins for 10 days prior to pressing. Ageing occurs in 90% fine grained new French oak and 10% seasoned American oak for 16 months.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby/purple. Sweet, attractive nose of briary fruit, cassis, minerals, liquorice & cigar box. Multifaceted palate with rich ripe plummy fruit of tremendous intensity, bonded together with soft tannins and elegant flavours. Will age gracefully for at least 15 years.

Tasting Notes
Savitar | 2002 (224k)