Mollydooker Wines 2009 The Maitre D - 88pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 The Maitre D (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $35.99
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: Classic Aussie Cab aromas of eucalyptus, menthol and ripe cassis fruit on the expressive, sweet'n'sour nose. Good continuity brings the aromas through to the dry palate that impresses with moderate weight and an even balance of concentrated dark fruit flavours and bright acidity. Finish is a bit short for the price point, but a good showing overall. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2010 The Boxer - 90pts

Mollydooker Wines 2010 The Boxer (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $36.99
Alcohol: 16%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is a big, in-your-face Aussie Shiraz that manages to tread the perilous fence between overdone and subdued power leaning slightly towards the side of subdued. Ultra ripe dark fruit and pepper spice aromas are carried through to the massive palate with licorice and mocha flavours adding complexity. Pair with tangy BBQ steaks but leave time to quaff the gorgeous, warm nose. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Enchanted Path - 93pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Enchanted Path (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $100-110
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: Enchanted Path is Mollydooker's elite Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blend which uses fruit grown on the winery's Gateway and Prime vineyards in McLaren Vale.  Barrel fermented and then aged in American (97%) and French (3%) oak, the final blend is a 66/34% split of Shiraz to Cabernet. The wine delivers classic characteristics of both varieties with the dark cassis fruit and eucalyptus from the Cab complimenting the spicy red fruit from the Shiraz. Fine tannins structure the blend very well and their controlled robustness suggests further development with another year or two of bottle aging. Drink 2013-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Carnival of Love - 94-95pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Carnival of Love (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $100-110
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: When compared to the winery's iconic Velvet Glove, the Carnival of Love shiraz is a bit more attention seeking and blatantly superb. The Avis rental cars of elite level Shiraz - it has to try a little harder. This effort tends to make it, again comparatively, a better bargain than the aforementioned icon wine, delivering most of the refinement and all, if not more, of the concentration and pure expression of fruit. A trophy wine to be sure, but one you're likely to actually open. Drink Now-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

On a side note: If you stand a bottle of Carnival of Love next to its cousin, the Enchanted Path, the two labels make one complete design linking the stories of all the Mollydooker wines together.

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Velvet Glove - 95-96pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Velvet Glove (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited. BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $250
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: For a truly iconic and cellar worthy wine, the Velvet Glove Shiraz is surprisingly approachable in its youth. The massive concentration is so well refined and balanced that just a drop on your tongue will express enough character for you to remember that moment forever. The sweet plum fruit opulence and silky smooth texture is described by the winemaking team as "fruit weight" for which they award it a near perfect score. Whatever the language used, this wine sits in your mouth like it was destined to be there. The finish goes on and on with complex layers of fruit and savoury flavours. Drink now-2024+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2008 The Boxer - 89pts

Mollydooker Wines 2008 The Boxer (Naramata Bench) Australia

Availability: Widely available at BC signature stores
Cost: $35-37
Alcohol: 16%
Date Tasted: December 27th, 2010

Tasting Notes: To off-set the high alcohol, The Boxer is highly extracted with impressive concentration of classic Shiraz characters: dark cherry and white pepper. This concentration of aromas and flavours, which also include candied fruit, leather and espresso, mask most of the alcohol, but sadly, not enough to avoid the balance leaning towards the "hot" end of the spectrum. Smooth, integrated tannins and mouth watering acidity add to the packs-a-punch texture. A slight Port-like finish due to the massive concentration and touch of residual sugar.  Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca