Mollydooker 2018 Shiraz, Carnival of Love, McLaren Vale

Mollydooker (Aussie for left-hander) Wines was established in 2005 by Sarah and Sparky Marquis and they've done nothing but receive rave reviews for their wines since then. The winery is on the prime Seaview Ridge in McLaren Vale, South Australia, and the vines are grown according to the Marquis Vineyard Watering Program to give the grapes the rich flavors that distinguish Mollydooker's wines. The Carnival of Love Shiraz is one of their best and has made the Wine Spectator's "Top 100" twice, the 2012 was #2.

The 2018 Carnival of Love is an opulent celebration of McLaren Vale Shiraz. The grapes were grown on the Gateway Vineyard in McLaren Vale, barrel fermented and matured in 100% American oak and 100% new.

The Wine Advocate scored this 94 points saying "Mollydooker's 2018 Carnival of Love Shiraz is more red-fruited and structured than I expected, given the wine's stated 16% alcohol. Raspberries and cedar mark the nose, with hints of chocolate, espresso and baking spices. In the mouth, it's full-bodied, dense and powerful, with ripe but firm tannins supporting the bright berry flavors, then easing into a long, velvety and mouthwatering finish. It should drink well for around a decade, but if you're shy of tannins, you may want to wait another year or two before opening. Drink Date: 2020-2027."

Wine Spectator scored this 93 points saying "Aromatic and distinctive, with chai tea, black walnut liqueur and sandalwood details to the plump blackberry and kirsch flavors at the core. Generous and ripe, but the spice and cigar box elements on the finish add a restrained punctuation point. Drink now through 2035."