Mollydooker Scooter Merlot, McLaren Vale

The attention to detail and commitment to excellence at Mollydooker is reflected in everything the estate does. The accolades Sarah and Sparky Marquis have achieved over the last two decades read like an entry in the Guinness Book of Records: Australian Boutique Winemakers of the Year, Australian White Winemakers of the Year, three times McClaren Vale Bushing King and Queen, Robert Parker’s Wine Personalities of the Year, World Cooperage Celebrated Winemakers and more trophies, ‘Best Wine’ awards and +94 Parker and Spectator scores than even they could have dreamt of! Mollydooker (Aussie for left hander, because they are both left handed) was established in March 2006 in the McLaren Vale, with a state-of-the-art winery and 114 acres of vineyards on the magic Seaview Ridge – home to most of the iconic McLaren Vale wines. Sarah is now the sole owner and winemaker, running Mollydooker with the help of her team who continue to make the handcrafted wines for which they are rightly famous.

The grapes for The Scooter Merlot come from Mollydooker’s sustainably-grown Long Gully Road blocks in McLaren Vale. Excitingly, every year they increase in quality. Ruby in colour with a bright cherry and violet nose. Rich, opulent flavours of raspberries and fresh plum on the palate, with soft tannins and further notes of mocha and dried herbs.