The Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2021 is a distinguished expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz, named in honor of Frank Mitolo’s children—Gemma, Alexander, and Marco. Sourced from the Lopresti vineyards in Whites Valley, this wine benefits from grey to brown sandy clays, brown cracking clays, and black Biscay clays over alluvial Ngaltinga formation. These soils, combined with cooling sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent, contribute to the wine's depth and vibrancy.

In the glass, it presents a deep crimson hue. The bouquet is intensely aromatic, offering notes of blackcurrant, cassis, graphite, and florals. The palate is full-bodied and powerful, showcasing rich fruits of blood plum, red and dark cherry, and black olive. Savory elements of dry sage and fine black pepper interweave with dark chocolate. The opulent flavor profile is supported by full-fleshed, encompassing tannins with a fine-grained texture, while succulent acidity maintains vibrancy throughout, leading to a long and lingering finish.

The 2021 vintage underwent meticulous winemaking processes: parcels were destemmed and crushed into a mix of 8-tonne and 2-tonne open fermenters, with twice-daily pump-overs throughout fermentation. Temperatures were maintained between 20–24°C to extract tannin, color, and flavor gently. Post-fermentation, the wine was transferred to French and American oak hogshead barrels for 20 months of maturation and natural malolactic fermentation. The final blend comprises 25% new French oak, 5% new American oak, and 70% seasoned French and American oak hogsheads, before undergoing light filtration at bottling.

"Purple maroon colour here, with the nose giving us ample evidence of how richly flavoured and truly gorgeous this wine is. It is a plush McLaren Vale Shiraz that is wonderful drinking... We have notes of mocha, coffee beans, blackberries, aniseed and cassis. Ripe and dense with good focus and energy as well as real intensity. Fine, silky tannins and a hint of graphite across the palate. For McLaren Vale, this is about as refined and elegant as we are likely to see. Love it. Juicy acidity and great length round out the package. Enjoy any time over the next fifteen years." 
96-point rating from Winepilot, with Ken Gargett

With an alcohol content of 14.5%, the 2021 G.A.M. Shiraz is both approachable now and has the potential to age gracefully over the next decade. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like grilled meats, rich stews, or aged cheeses, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.