2006 Shiraz GAM
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Tasting notes
Aged in mainly new French hogsheads for 16 months, the 2006 Mitolo Shiraz G.A.M. offers a beautiful mix of hedonistic fruit that’s paired with true Shiraz character and a balanced palate. The wine possesses pure, deep aromatics of smoky, meaty dark fruits, graphite, green peppercorn and herbs. With air, this gains complexity with a solid dose of minerality and floral notes. The palate is full bodied and carries its sweet, unctuous fruit and size well. There’s ample texture, impressive balance and a smooth, suave texture that carries into a long finish. This bottle was followed over two days and the wine showed a touch more structure and depth on day two. While I’m not convinced this is quite the wine the ’03 and ’04 are, it’s very classy and should dish out loads of pleasure over the next 8 to 10 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Rich and sweet start but then rather obvious added acid. (JR)
Bright purple. Seductive bouquet of smoky dark berries, candied cherry and sandalwood. Licorice and floral pastille notes emerge with air and carry onto the palate, adding complexity to the sweet cassis and blueberry flavors. Leaves dark berry, vanilla and cola flavors behind on the long, sappy finish. Captivating already, but I'd bet on this gaining complexity over the next six or seven years.
The 2006 Shiraz “G.A.M.” (the initials of the Mitolo children) was aged in French and American oak, 60% new. Opaque purple in color, it has an aromatic array of roasted coffee, violets, lavender, pepper, Asian spices, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. In the mouth it is velvety-textured, deep, concentrated, opulent, and altogether hedonistic. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2026. Mitolo, which began operations in 1999, is a partnership of the Mitolo family and winemaker Ben Glaetzer. The focus is on McLaren Vale fruit from Willunga, the most southern part of the district. All of the wines below are from the 2006 vintage which Glaetzer characterizes as “?a mild growing season with no problems. It ranks with 2002 as my favorite vintage”. Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NY; www.mitolowines.com.au