Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2023

This structured and 'unapologetically opulent' red wine originates from Australia, within the highly celebrated McLaren Vale region of South Australia. Mollydooker a colloquial Australian term for a left-handed person was founded in 2005 by the dynamic winemaking duo Sarah and Sparky Marquis. Operating under a bold winemaking philosophy that prioritizes maximum flavor concentration and absolute structural density, Velvet Glove serves as the ultimate pinnacle of the estate's entire portfolio. The winery is famous for its proprietary "Marquis Fruit Weight" system, which measures the percentage of the palate covered by velvety fruit juices, and only grapes achieving a massive 95% to 100% score are selected for this luxury bottling. Rooted in the region's ancient, low-yielding soils, the old vines are exposed to warm daytime sun and cooling evening gully breezes from the nearby Mount Lofty Ranges, naturally concentrating the berries into a state of decadent intensity.

Wine Description

The Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz presents an opaque, ink-black appearance in the glass with concentrated, deep purple shades clinging to the rim. Its sensory profile is exceptionally deep, complex, and highly expressive, opening with a bold bouquet of crème de cassis, dark plum liqueur, and black currant preserves, seamlessly layered with fragrant notes of sweet vanilla bean, espresso, licorice, and a distinct hint of dark cocoa. On the palate, the wine is massively full-bodied, concentrated, and texturally rich, showcasing a luxurious, mouth-coating core of chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry purée, and spicy plum compote. It is characterized by an outstanding structural balance, maintaining an uncommonly fresh, vibrant backbone of natural acidity that effortlessly lifts its immense weight and stops it from feeling heavy. The mouthfeel is broad and velvety perfectly matching its namesake driven by remarkably soft, fine-grained, and supple tannins that glide into a near-endless, sweet-toned finish accented by lingering notes of toasted American oak barrel spices, anise, and a touch of savory earth.