Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Mollydooker is a family owned and operated winery based in a charming part of the world that is McLaren Vale, South Australia. The dedicated team make a portfolio of wines that beautifully represent the warm, coastal climate of the region, but with the uniqueness that results from their trademarked winemaking techniques.
Established in 2005, the name Mollydooker – Aussie slang for a left-handed person – was a fitting choice given the majority of the team, including owner Sarah were themselves left-handed. This point of difference runs through all the winery’s operations, from greeting visitors with a left hand, to always placing the wine glass to the left of a table setting.
In 2007, Mollydooker found a permanent home in McLaren Vale, with 116 acres of vineyards, and the following decade saw ambitious growth. Now, the team of 50 produces 80,000 cases of wine each year, across five different tiers to wine-lovers across Australia, the US and beyond. Its ‘hero’ grape is the quintessential McLaren Vale grape, Shiraz, whilst other varieties, including Cabernet and Merlot are also prominent, on their own and in blends. To offer a full range to suit all palates and occasions, Mollydooker also offers three styles of Verdelhos (including a sparkling), and a Merlot Rosé.
Mollydooker’s wines have been praised globally, including receiving five 99-point Wine Advocate scores by renowned wine critic, Robert Parker. Its Carnival of Love Shiraz has also been listed a record three times in Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines in the World. Under the ambitious leadership of owner Sarah Marquis, the company has been recognised for its business success, being chosen as the 2019 South Australian Business of the Year at the much revered Telstra Business Awards.
Using its success, Mollydooker’s passion is about making a difference to the lives of those less fortunate through ‘sipping it forward’. Each year, a portion of its proceeds is directed towards supporting its local and international communities. Locally, Mollydooker supports the Hutt Street Centre, which provides meals, social and support services to the homeless community of Adelaide. On an international scale, Mollydooker sponsors three schools through Transform Cambodia, which helps to educate street kids, and 20 women through Mercy Multiplied each year, providing a safe space for victims of abuse.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.