with Two Mollydooker Wines. For those of you that don’t know Mollydooker is Aussie slang for left-handed people.
One Red and One White from Mollydooker Winery.
I have had the pleasure of not only drinking these wines from the first vintage almost 20 years ago, but also meeting, talking about wine, and of course drinking these great with Luke, the ‘Blue Eyed Boy’ several times. Luke has mentioned what he calls the Marquis Fruit Weight which is their measure of quality. What is that you ask, it is the
“Percentage of your palate (from the tip to the very back of your tongue) that’s covered by the velvety sensation of fruit that occurs when a wine’s tannins, alcohol, and acidity are all perfectly balanced”
Summer of 69 ‘Early Pick’ Verdelho 2021. Fruit Weight- 55 to 65%
This name was inspired by Sarah’s birth year- for those of you old enough to remember a simpler time of peace, love, and music, and the year of the original Woodstock Music Festival. Bright crisp aromas of citrus, both lemon and tangerine peel, with subtle floral notes leave you with an impression of summer. One sip will confirm your initial impression to be correct. This early picked Verdelho is crisp, and mouthwatering, with a beautiful balance of acidity and fruit with instant appeal.
Impressive layers of lemon, tangerine peel, and peach deliver a rich, almost creamy midpalate, despite the acidity and minerality evident. If the dictionary had a definition for quality summer patio pounder, this would be it. A delight to drink.
I would cellar this short term- say 2025, although it would be nice to taste this in 5 years or so.
Pairings should include, oysters, scallops, lobster, crab, seafood, chicken, pork, and let us not forget roasted Pesto vegetables or a Pesto pasta.
Boxer Shiraz 2020. Fruit Weight- 68%
WHO IS THE BOXER? ‘Mollydooker’ is old Aussie slang for a left-handed boxer and our Boxer always punches well above his Fruit Weight™. Did you notice he has two left-handed gloves? Source: Winery Website.
Do not forget to do the Molly Shake when opening: https://mollydookerwines.ch/mollydooker-shake/
The Boxer Shiraz has always been a big, bold, rich, opulent Shiraz and this is no exception. The 2020 vintage was challenging with hot, dry conditions
until January when rains finally arrived along with cooler temperatures creating stellar conditions for the big three varietals (with Cab and Grenache) with Shiraz leading the way. Something good always comes from adversity.
The aromas of dark fruits, coffee, dark chocolate, and plum deliver an invitation to taste.
The palate is big and bold setting the scene immediately for what is to come. Muscular layers of blackberries and blueberries fight it out for dominance with plum, dark cherries, dark chocolate, vanilla, pepper, and licorice playing a supportive role. Big mouthfeel and a smooth, velvety texture with a long finish. Well balanced with alcohol showing no signs of overshadowing, despite the 16% alcohol. There is a subtle hint of Earl Gray Tea towards the back end, as much in the mouthfeel as the flavor profile.
Cellaring will extend out to 2035 without a problem. I recently drank a 2007 vintage that was spectacular.
Pairings should include big meat dishes centered around beef or steak; however, you prefer to prepare it. Just make sure it has the size and weight to match this wine.
Some Technical Info: The grapes were grown in vineyards in McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. The Boxer has been Barrel fermented and matured in 100% American oak, using 45% new, 25% one-year-old, and 30% two-year-old barrels.
Vine to Table 