Richard Tarlton was favourite among jesters to Queen Elizabeth I. Tarlton was the first to achieve national celebrity as a comedian and enjoyed a successful career in theatre as a leading member of the Queen’s Players. As a writer, he was the author of popular ballads and plays. ‘Jester’ celebrates the era where boredom was alleviated through humour and the banal through intellect.

Vineyard
The grapes come from the Willunga district of McLaren Vale, where the heavy grey loam soils over sandstone, intermixed with black Biscay clay, combined with the maritime climate, contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins. Yield is around 4 tons an acre.

Vintage - 2005
After a reasonably wet winter, the vines burst well with good early shoot growth. Mild summer temperatures allowed canopies to be maintained right up until vintage time, with minimal irrigation, which resulted in an excellent and even ripening period. Overall the quality was good particularly for Cabernet and Shiraz.

Winemaking
Each parcel of fruit for Jester is fermented on skins for 5 to 6 days at a cool temperature to enhance the pure berry fruit. The wine is then pressed and undergoes partial barrel fermentation. A natural malolactic fermentation is completed before the wine is racked.

Aged in 2-4 year old French oak for 9 months

Tasting Notes
An animated and bright nose showing flashes of black pepper and stone fruits. Rich and full bodied on the palate with flavours of blackcurrant, anise and mixed spice. The palate is multilayered and finishes with supple tannin.

Cellaring:
Will age reliably under cork for 5-7 years

Tasting Notes
Jester Shiraz | 2005 (188k)