2006 Shiraz Savitar

Referring to a to a mythical, dragon-like monster, the 2006 Mitolo Shiraz Savitar is a barrel selection from the top lots and is aged in 100% new medium to light toasted French barrique for 16 months. The wine is much more dense and tight than the ’06 G.A.M., offering black fruits, charred earth, chocolate and herbs. There’s some oak sticking out and the wine lacks the suave, supple nature the prior wine. The palate needs ample air to come together and at its best, shows loads of ripe, sweet fruit, a firm, edgy texture and a long finish. This should drink well over the next 8 to 10 years.

Sweet and tarry start and very uncomfortably dry sandpaper on the finish. (JR)

Inky violet. Powerful dark berry liqueur and cherry-vanilla on the nose, with sexy floral and incense qualities adding complexity. Broad and juicy, with deeply concentrated blackberry and boysenberry flavors, supple tannins and slow-building anise and sassafras on the back. Generous but focused shiraz with excellent finishing energy and persistence. Still quite primary, but there'd be no crime in drinking this after giving it an hour or so in a decanter.