Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2012

Founders Sparky and Sarah Marquis aim for a crowd-pleasing house style that emphasizes bold flavors, plush texture and something they call “fruit weight”—how far back on the tongue the flavors extend before you notice the wine’s structure. This red consists of a barrel selection of some of the top Shiraz from Gateway Vineyard and finishes its fermentation in 100 percent new American oak barrels. This is Mollydooker’s sixth appearance in the Top 100, and the third time Carnival of Love has made the Top 10.

Tasting Note

Sinewy, lithe and expressive, packing red berry, black cherry and cardamom aromas and flavors into a tightly focused package. The finish expands and powers up, driving a long and meaty finish. Displays muscle and poise. Drink now through 2022. –Harvey Steiman