2005 G.A.M. Shiraz, Mitolo

Vale Velvet

Deep, powerful and now beautifully mellowed with age, this McLaren Vale Shiraz still carries the richness that made G.A.M. such a modern Australian classic. Blackberry, blueberry and plum move through the glass with notes of liquorice, white pepper, vanilla, dark chocolate and polished oak. It is full-bodied and generous, but time has softened the edges, giving the wine a smoother, more savoury shape.

The palate is plush and intense, with dark fruit, sweet spice and a warm, velvety texture that feels both bold and settled. There is still plenty of McLaren Vale muscle here, but the years have brought leather, earth and a graceful maturity, turning its original power into something broad, confident and deeply satisfying.

For When: the evening needs a serious red with depth, maturity and a little old-school Australian swagger.
Pairs with: ribeye steak, roast lamb, venison, beef short ribs, smoky aubergine, blue cheese or slow-cooked mushrooms.

Mitolo was founded by Frank Mitolo in McLaren Vale, with G.A.M. as the estate’s first release and a tribute to his three children, Gemma, Alexander and Marco. The wine quickly became one of the names that helped define the generous, polished and powerful style of premium McLaren Vale Shiraz, combining family story, Italian warmth and the region’s unmistakable dark-fruited intensity.