Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon from McLaren Vale, South Australia is a dry, medium-to-full-bodied red with a supple, generous texture, opening with enticing aromas of crushed blackcurrant, cedar, dried sage, espresso, and a whisper of violet that give way to a palate of dark plum preserve, mocha, and roasted black olive, all anchored by a firm but refined tannic grip. A fascinating winemaking flourish sets this Cabernet apart: a portion of the grapes are dried on Italian-style Appassimento racks for several weeks before pressing, a nod to the Mitolo family's Abruzzo heritage that concentrates the fruit and adds a luxurious, layered depth rarely found at this price point. Head winemaker Luke Mallaby, who took the reins in early 2022, continues the tradition of hands-off cool fermentation established by founding partner Ben Glaetzer, preserving the purity of fruit drawn from ancient million-year-old Biscay clay soils in the coastal Aldinga district. Serve it slightly below room temperature with a slow-roasted leg of lamb rubbed with garlic and rosemary, where the wine's dark fruit and cedar notes will harmonize beautifully with the herb-crusted crust; it's equally compelling alongside a beef and mushroom ragù over pappardelle, the wine's earthy depth and structured tannins standing up effortlessly to the richness of the sauce. Cellar with confidence through 2040.

Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: rabbit with dumplings, venison sausage cassoulet, venison Swiss steak.

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This Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 was reviewed on April 11, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

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