The essence of Mitolo Wines can be traced back centuries through generations of agriculturists and viticulturalists. In 2000, Mitolo made its first Shiraz, and two years later its first Cabernet Sauvignon. Since that time, Mitolo has championed these two varieties with fruit from some of McLaren Vale’s finest vineyards. Whilst building its reputation for premium Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon offerings, Mitolo expanded its range to include several Italian varieties paying homage to the family’s roots.

Mitolo’s first release, G.A.M. was named in honour of Frank Mitolo’s three children – Gemma, Alexander and Marco.

Full bodied with generous mid palate breadth, the 2021 G.A.M. Shiraz shows rich fruits of blood plum, red and dark cherry and black olive. Dry sage and fine black pepper bring savoury elements, intermingled with dark chocolate. The opulent flavour profile is supported by full fleshed, encompassing tannins with fine grained texture, while succulent acidity maintains vibrancy throughout for a long and lingering finish.

A cracking McLaren Vale Shiraz from a brilliant year. 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. The price suggests it is not for everyday drinking but it is still terrific value and there are plenty of prestige releases with far loftier price tags put in the shade by this gem. 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. Drink to: 2025-2040; Price: $69.00; Rating: 96 Points; Ken Gargett

The wine is rich with varietal and regional character: classic Satsuma plum, summery wafts of ripening fruits and drying herbs like sage and thyme, a subtle spearmint note as well. The palate is effusive and wealthy, plenty of flavour that soaks up any overt new oak influence leaving a fleshy, faintly sappy mouthfeel, sticky tannins in play for a lingering, textural finish. Price: $69.00; Rating: 94 Points; Tony Love