Serpico was a famous New York police officer that wasn't afraid to 'work against the grain' and in doing so exposed immense depth of police corruption in the era. With Mitolo Serpico we aim to step outside our peers and redefine the accepted style of Australian wine.

'Audendum defendere fides tuas nonque conformandum plebi est'
'One must have the courage to stand up for your beliefs and not conform to the masses'

Vineyard
The Cabernet comes from the Chinese block in the Willunga district at the southern end of McLaren Vale. The grapes are grown on black Biscay clay and hand harvested at around 13 Baumé onto 10 kg drying racks. Yield is around 2 tonnes an acre (35 hl/ha). Harvested from 5-7th March 2005.

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
The grapes were left to dry on the 10kg drying racks for 7 weeks and 3 days in the traditional Amarone manner resulting in 30% bunch weight loss. The wine was fermented on skins for 2 weeks and then left to macerate for a further 3 weeks prior to pressing.

Tasting Note
Dark Ruby red. The nose shows rustic traditional earth and cedary spice with Christmas pudding characters and a hint of coffee bean. The mid palate is complex with pillars of richness and savoury tannins. The seamless integration of oak, tannin and fruit allow this distinguished wine to be drunk at release.

Cellaring
Will age reliably for 10 to 15 years with careful cellaring.

Tasting Notes
Serpico | 2005 (208k)

Fact Sheet
Serpico Fact Sheet (184k)