Three years ago we nicknamed the toothstaining 2002 Peter Lehmann Clancy's blend Godzilla... well, this one does the Clancy's one better. Get out the tooth whitener...this huge inky beast will stain them purple. These inventive Aussies borrowed a page from Italy and are using the same technique used in making Amarone to further intensify and concentrate what was already a very big wine. The result is a hybrid that will knock your socks off. Not for the faint of palate!

Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 McLaren Vale, Australia $22
We Bought a Bunch $18.99
What the Wine Critics Thought: Wine Advocate 92 Points
Jester includes 20% dried grapes in the style of Amarone. Purple-colored, it has a fragrant bouquet of black fruits, tar, and violets. This leads to a smooth-textured, layered, dense wine with enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. It has a long, pure finish and can be enjoyed through 2027. It is a superb value.

What We Thought: Huge! An intense cedar and blackberry nose leads to an equally intense, ultra-ripe, full-bodied wine filed with thick, brambly, blackberry fruit all supported by silky tannins, finishing long and smooth. Don't even think about this with anything but a big steak or all by itself.

March 12, 2008