Jester Shiraz 2023

Story

The life of the party, the instigator of frivolity, the undying entertainer. A modern-day jester gathers friends around regularly to eat and drink well, and much like their medieval predecessors, reminds us that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

Tasting Note

Generous, enveloping and inviting. The rich, deep bouquet and soft, yet full bodied palate are aligned, showing rich red and dark fruits of blackberry and dark plum, dark blueberry, baked cherries, confit fig and couverture chocolate, with spice notes of vanilla, allspice, hints of liquorice and sarsaparilla root. Fresh, balanced acidity lifts fruit vibrancy without over-prominence, while velvety smooth, soft, supple tannins remain unctuous throughout the palate and into the finish. 

Winemaking

Destemmed and crushed, fermented in 8 tonne potter fermenters with twice daily pump overs, and larger vinomatics under a gentle extraction regime. Temperatures were kept cool, between 20 and 24˚C to retain fruit vibrancy and ensure a soft tannin structure. The ferments were pressed off at approximately 2 Baume to finish in stainless steel tank, before malolactic fermentation and 16 months maturation in 80% French and 20% American Seasoned Oak Hogs Head Barrels. No finings used, light filtration prior to bottling. 

Vineyard

Lopresti Ridgehaven Vineyard - Hahn Road, Sellicks Hill, McLaren Vale.

The site is defined by heavy clay loam soils with shattered gravel throughout the profile, over Christies Beach Formation. A northwesterly aspect captures ample sunlight and ensures ripening whilst the warmth of the site garners concentration and plush tannin maturity in the fruit.

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