Wine Spectator

Top Scoring Wines - Oct 15, 2008

These wines were reviewed in blind tastings by editor at large Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator’s lead taster on the wines of Australia, in our San Francisco office, over the past 12 months. They represent the best of the more than 500 wines included in our annual tasting report.

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“Great Australian Reds”

Top-Scoring wines from Wine Spectator’s annual report, Oct 15, 2008

96 pointsMollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Velvet Glove 2007 ($185)

95 pointsMollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007 ($90)

92 pointsMollydooker Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia Gigglepot ($55)

92 pointsMollydooker Shiraz South Australia Blue Eyed Boy ($55)

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“Harvey Steiman’s Recommended Australian Reds - Top Wines”

(2 of only 13 chosen are Mollydooker!)

96Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Velvet Glove 2007 ($185) Lithe, generous and beautifully proportioned, offering a seamless array of dark plum, blueberry and sandalwood flavors wrapped in a veil of fine grained tannins. Finishes with an intriguing face-off of sweet fruit and spice that keeps o nfor quite a while. Best from 2011 through 2019. 1,020 cases made. – H.S.

95Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007 ($90) Big, rich and terrifically ripe. A lithe mouthful of pure wild blueberry and Asian spices, with swirls of plum and other berries as the finish rolls on, unimpeded by tannins. In the end, this has elegance to go along with its power. Drink now through 2017. 2,596 cases made. – H.S.

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“Wine Spectator Buying Guide”

Spectator Selections - Highly Recommended

The issues most impressive wine. Includes top-scorers and wines that represent optimal purchases based on their combination of score, price and availability.

Spectator Selections - Best Values / New Releases: Argentina / Australia

96Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Velvet Glove 2007 ($185) Lithe, generous and beautifully proportioned, offering a seamless array of dark plum, blueberry and sandalwood flavors wrapped in a veil of fine grained tannins. Finishes with an intriquing face-off of sweet fruit and spice that keeps o nfor quite a while. Best from 2011 through 2019. 1,020 cases made. – H.S.

95 & Highly Recommended Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007 ($90) Big, rich and terrifically ripe. A lithe mouthful of pure wild blueberry and Asian spices, with swirls of plum and other berries as the finish rolls on, unimpeded by tannins. In the end, this has elegance to go along with its power. Drink now through 2017. 2,596 cases made. – H.S.

92Mollydooker Shiraz South Australia Blue Eyed Boy 2007 ($55) This has a hot black pepper streak running through the meaty cherry, dense plum and spice flavors, persisting on the round, supple finish. Drink now through 2014. 6,072 cases made. – H.S.

92Mollydooker Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia Gigglepot 2007 ($55) This is distinctive for its focused cherry, spiceand freshly turned loam aromas and flavors. An expressive wine of richness and depth that doesn’t quit as the finish rolls on and on. Drink now through 2015. 172 cases made. – H.S.

91 Mollydooker Shiraz-Cabernet McLaren Vale Enchanted Path 2007 ($90) Big, ripe and focused, offering a blast of cherry and plum, with a welcome floral note that lasts though the long, vivid finish. Has a touch of spice as the finish lingers against fine tannins. Drink now through 2017. 1,329 cases made. – H.S.

90Mollydooker Shiraz South Australia The Boxer 2007 ($25) Supple and generous, with spicy blackberry and tar flavors, finishing with a silky texture and sweetness that make this very seductive. The finish lingers beautifully. Drink now through 2013. 9,916 cases made. – H.S.

87Mollydooker Merlot South Australia The Scooter 2007 ($25) Firm tannins support ripe cerry and herb flavors. A but chunky in texture. Drink now through 2012. 4,128 cases made. – H.S.