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2008 Mollydooker Two Left Feet Shiraz Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
After his death in 1352 BC, amongst the astonishing treasures left for King Tutankhamon's journey into the afterlife were thirty six earthen wine jars. Although the contents had dried up centuries ago, these vessels represented an archaeologist's dream come true. Hieratic inscriptions (a simplified cursive hieroglyphic) not only stated their production date according to the year of the Pharaoh's reign, but the names of the vineyard location, the estate responsible for production, and the chief vintner.
These findings suggest that the ancient Egyptians of the New Kingdom (about 1554 to 1075 BC) anticipated the 1855 French 'Appellation Controlee' system by thousands of years and encouraged labelling practices that would satisfy most of today's Australian standards and exceed those of other countries. In these artifacts, we recognise the beginning of a labelling tradition that has continued in one form or another to this day. Paper wine labels that we now take for granted have only been around since the middle of the 19th century, coinciding with an expanding variety of wine styles and increased demand for bottled wines. (Mass production was postponed by the search for a suitable glue to satisfactorily adhere paper to glass).
New technology, less restrictive labelling laws, changing consumer values and a willingness to abandon 'old world' conventions has not only multiplied the creative options available to label designers - sometimes leading to 'over-packaging' - but has also demonstrated that people will identify with almost anything. Whereas branding used to revolve around the winery itself, it is now re-focusing attention towards the consumer, reinventing labels to evoke a feeling, an experience or a preference. An emerging array of daring, spirited, youthful and witty labels has confirmed that wineries, designers and consumers alike no longer feel constrained by 'Old World' themes. These 'progressive' labels tap into the 'Milennials [those in their mid 20's who] are turned off by labels with a picture of a Chateau on them. They think that's their Grandfather's wine.' Instead, the packaging is non intimidating, with a quirky edge that takes the stiffness out of traditional designs. The most successful examples make conversation pieces and seem to correspond remarkably well to the style of wine in the bottle, satisfying the expectations of a younger, increasingly educated market place. This is certainly the case with the Mollydooker wines.
An eccentric collection, partly reminiscent of Vaudeville posters from the mid 1930’s, partly of highly stylised cartoons from the decades that followed - somewhat polarising to wine lovers, but invariably memorable. Thankfully, their visual charisma also conveys what's inside the bottle. The 2008 Mollydooker collection are works of unabashed, vinous exuberance that will revitalise the palate of the most world-weary hedonist. Sarah and Sparky wouldn't have it any other way!
‘Displaying Sparky & Sarah Marquis’ trademark exuberance and opulence, the 2008 Mollydooker’s are an explosive collection of wines overflowing with flavour'.
Sarah and Sparky Marquis ooze exuberance and always deliver the WOW factor. Their wines are at the pinnacle of flavour and texture, which some find over the top. These wines are more than mere fruit bombs, they are flavour bombs (flavour being the summation of smell and taste).
This voluptuous red is composed of 68% Shiraz, 17% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is not suitable to take to dinner dances as it will only confuse your dance routines even more. A couple of glasses will have you even attempting to tango!
The wine is again a total saturate of colour with paint like cling. Saturated black purple colour. Aroma of violets, blackberry, vanilla, liquorice and cassis. Showing an abundance of ripe fruit flavours. The palate is filled with rich layers of vanilla, confectionary and black pepper with very pronounced spicy back palate. Then the overriding layer comes in with flavours of cassis and liquorice allsorts. Fine grained tannins, perfectly balanced. Exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, black pepper, spice and toasted oak.
Cellar 2-3 years (2011-2012)
Alc/Vol: 16.0%