Mollydooker The Scooter Merlot 2023

Winery Background and History Mollydooker was established in 2005 by Sarah and Sparky Marquis in the heart of McLaren Vale, South Australia. The name "Mollydooker" is an Australian slang term for a left-handed person, a nod to the founders' own left-handedness. The winery quickly gained international acclaim for its bold, high-alcohol, and fruit-forward wine styles. Despite facing a significant setback in 2011 when a large portion of their inventory was destroyed in a forklift accident, the winery persevered and remains a leader in the Australian wine industry. Today, it is a fully family-owned operation led by Sarah Marquis, continuing its tradition of creating wines that celebrate joy and community.

Producer and Wine Maker The winemaking is currently directed by Sarah Marquis, who has been a central figure in the Australian wine scene for decades. The winemaking team adheres to the "Marquis Fruit Weight" scale, a unique measurement system that evaluates the percentage of the palate covered by velvety fruit flavors. This ensures that every bottle meets the brand’s signature profile of intensity and richness. The team focuses on innovative techniques, such as the "Mollydooker Shake," which is recommended for their young wines to release nitrogen used during bottling, allowing the fruit to express itself fully and softening the tannins for immediate enjoyment.

Vineyards and Micro Climate The fruit for this vintage is sourced from sustainably grown vineyards in McLaren Vale. This region is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and cool sea breezes from the nearby Gulf St Vincent. These breezes provide a vital cooling effect, extending the ripening period and allowing the Merlot grapes to develop deep color and complex flavor profiles while retaining balanced acidity. The soils consist primarily of ancient "Terra Rossa" red earth over limestone and weathered sands, which provide excellent drainage and contribute a distinct mineral undertone to the fruit, resulting in small, concentrated berries.

Vinification & Aging Methods The grapes are harvested at peak maturity to ensure maximum fruit weight. Following fermentation in open-top stainless steel fermenters, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to enhance its smooth, creamy texture. The aging process took place in 100% American oak barrels, of which approximately 20% were new, while the remainder were one to two years old. This aging lasted for several months, allowing the wine to integrate the bold fruit flavors with the toasted vanilla and spice notes from the oak. The wine is bottled with a screw cap to maintain its vibrant primary fruit characteristics and is nitrogen-flushed for protection.

Tasting notes This wine presents a deep, vibrant purple hue in the glass. The nose is highly aromatic, leaping with scents of dark plum, maraschino cherry, and subtle hints of milk chocolate and dried herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied and incredibly smooth, living up to its name by "scooting" across the tongue with ease. Rich flavors of blackberry jam and red currants are supported by soft, velvety tannins and a touch of sweet spice from the American oak. The finish is long and fruit-driven, with a lingering creamy texture that makes it exceptionally approachable and indulgent.

Food & Wine Pairing The richness and soft tannin structure of this Merlot make it a versatile partner for bold, savory dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with slow-roasted lamb shanks infused with rosemary or a classic beef bourguignon. For a more casual pairing, it complements a gourmet Wagyu beef burger topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese. The wine's fruit sweetness also balances the char of grilled Mediterranean vegetables or a wood-fired pizza with spicy salami. For those preferring cheese, a mature cheddar or a creamy Camembert will stand up well to the wine’s intensity.

Service Methods and Temperatures To experience the full expression of the fruit, it is highly recommended to perform the "Mollydooker Shake" before serving: pour a small amount out, reseal the bottle, and shake vigorously to release the nitrogen. The wine should be served at a slightly cool room temperature, ideally between 16°C and 18°C. Serving it too warm can emphasize the alcohol, while serving it too cold may mute the luscious fruit aromatics. A large-bowled Bordeaux glass is ideal for allowing the wine to breathe and concentrating the complex aromas of dark fruits and spice toward the nose.

Storage and Aging Potential While this wine is specifically designed to be enjoyed in its youth for its explosive fruit and smooth texture, it possesses enough concentration to age gracefully over the medium term. It can be stored in a cool, dark cellar with a consistent temperature of around 14°C to 16°C. When stored correctly, it will maintain its primary fruit intensity for the next 3 to 5 years. Over time, the vibrant plum notes may evolve into more complex earthy and savory characters, though most Mollydooker enthusiasts prefer to drink this particular label within its first few years to capture its energetic "scooting" personality.

Grape Varietals & percentage used 100% Merlot

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) 14.5%