Winemaker Notes
Each amazing bottle comes wrapped in a custom black velvet bag, made from the same imported French velvet we used to create the label itself. The shape of the bottle and the black velvet details printed with silver foil are all in place to make our Velvet Glove Shiraz an amazing experience even before you open the bottle!
We measure a wine's quality on the Marquis Fruit Weight™ scale. For a wine to be included in Velvet Glove, it must score 95% or above. To score this highly, the grapes must come from a very special vineyard, must be grown according to the Marquis Vineyard Watering Programme, and then must have that blessing from above – a favorable growing season.
In 2006 we were lucky enough to have all three, the magical Gateway Vineyard, Toby Bekkers (McLaren Vale Viticulturalist of the Year) and Daniel Libovich looking after the watering, and the weather on our side.
We have, in the past, had 4 wines which have scored 99 points from Robert Parker Jr. In our Mollydooker grading tastings we rate this wine higher. The Mollydooker 2006 Velvet Glove is quite simply the best wine we have ever made."
- Winemaker Sparky Marquis
"Rich, ripe and harmoniously balanced, this is dense with blackberry, plum, licorice, cream and spice flavors that don't quit as the finish sails on and on. Has tremendous presence, yet remains supple through the expressive finish. Drink now through 2020."
Wine Spectator
97 points
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2006 Velvet Glove is the first vintage ever made and is deep garnet-black in color with an alluring meaty and gamey nose accented by smoky bacon, a bit of brine and iron ore, some dried plums and black berry preserves and notes of figs and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and crisp, it is richly concentrated with coffee and raisin flavors, has medium levels of velvety tannins and excellent length on the finish. I found the nose to be showing just a little muted, so give 1-2 years and drink to 2024+.
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Wine Spectator
Rich, ripe and harmoniously balanced, this is dense with blackberry, plum, licorice, cream and spice flavors that don't quit as the finish sails on and on. Has tremendous presence, yet remains supple through the expressive finish. Drink now through 2020.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
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.