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.

You'd think they were crazy making an Amarone style from cabernet sauvignon. Amarone is one of Italy's greatest wines made from dried grapes which concentrate the flavours and tannins to create long lived wines. But with cabernet sauvignon – a wine that is already loaded with tannins – this is surely a disaster in the making, but apparently not….This is a gorgeous wine, and my pick of the current new releases, which packs a serious punch. The colour is deep suggesting a big dense style but the wine is surprisingly light on its feet. Sweet, pure and vibrant blackcurrant fruits are tempered by dried herbs with some sweeter blackberry underneath. Oak is there too but sits in the background. This then leads to a bold and explosive palate full of power and energy – fruit pastille flavours are supported by fine acidity that is all underpinned by significant but well handled tannins. It is soooooo long too with the fruit concentration holding that flavour for minutes. A delicious wine stacked full of personality that is hard to put down. Drink to: 2032; Alcohol: 15.5%; Rating: 96 Points; Angus Hughson

The wine shows stunning fruit purity as well as seductive complexity with cassis, sweet plum, tobacco and spicy oak characters. It’s impressively concentrated and persistent, displaying awesome power brilliantly structured by loads of fine tannins. Multi-layered and graceful. At its best: 2024 to 2039. Date: Feb 2021; Rating: 96 Points; Wine Orbit

Sourced from the proprietary Lopresti vineyard, known as the 'Chinese Block'. Near Wilunga, this is a warmer zone. Hand picked and placed in drying crates to undergo appassimento; this elevates tannins while concentrating fruit in a shift of the phenolic makeup, imparting a firm, ferrous savouriness. Unabashedly big, yet far from jammy, as a welcome result. Asian spice, blood stone, bitter amaro and cherry pith, with a verdant echo of cabernet in the background. Date: Nov 2020; Alcohol: 15.5%; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 94 Points;  James Halliday Wine Companion

The 2019 Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon is made from partially dried grapes. After being air-dried for approximately nine weeks and losing approximately 30% of their weight, the grapes are pressed. The resulting wine is a potent, cassis and herb-laced offering with hints of dark chocolate and caramel yet never heavy or overdone. Full-bodied, rich and possessing a layered texture and a lingering finish, it's a terrific example of Serpico, with at least a decade of cellaring potential. Date: Feb 2021; Drink: 2021-2030; Rating: 94 Points; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate