Vintage Conditions

McLaren Vale had dry weather conditions throughout spring/summer 19/20 and low rainfall. The Langhorne Creek vineyards (60km west of McLaren Vale) on the other hand encountered significant frost early in spring along with hot and windy weather during flowering. These conditions reduced overall yields for both regions. A favourable ripening period for harvest was the silver lining to low yields, resulting in high quality, full-bodied and vibrant wines that reflect the characteristics of the 2020 vintage. Interestingly, McLaren Vale had a larger crush than the Barossa Valley and Langhorne Creek regions for the first time since 2004.

Vinification details

The grapes came into the winery at a steady pace with excellent colour and breadth of flavour showing upon crushing. Ferments were easily controlled allowing efficient extraction of tannins and flavours from the skins during pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation moved quickly during the oak maturation phase. Blue Eyed Boy was both fermented and matured in 100% American oak barrels, of which 54% were new, 46% one year old.

Awards

Wine Spectator: 93 pts

Green credentials

Member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.

Vintage conditions

Starting in early March, the 2018 vintage can be defined by the even ripening that led to great fermentation conditions.

Vinification details

The grapes came into the winery at a steady pace with excellent colour and breadth of flavour shown as soon as the fruit was first crushed. Ferments were easily controlled allowing efficient extraction of tannins and flavours from the skins during pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation moved quickly during the oak maturation phase to reveal the intensity and depth of character that will be the hallmark of the 2018 wines. Blue Eyed Boy was both fermented and matured in 100% American oak barrels, of which 58% were new, 42% one year old.

Green credentials

Member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.

Vintage conditions

Heavy rain was experienced in the McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek regions during July; a massive 31% increase. The cold, wet conditions continued through to early summer, becoming the defining features of the 2017 vintage. Budburst and flowering were both delayed, resulting in a later harvest than normal. In the lead up to harvest there were concerns of mildew and botrytis affecting the grape quality, however Mollydooker’s open canopies allowed air flow and perfect summer temperatures, and meant that grapes were not affected.

Vinification details

The grapes were machine harvested during the day and at ideal flavour ripeness before being crushed and destemmed. Partially fermented on skins in tank with pumpovers every four hours, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks and 100% American oak hogshead barrels of which 58% new and 42% one year old, where the wine was matured for 8-9 months.

Green credentials

Member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.

Vintage conditions

2016 was Mollydooker’s biggest vintage to date, with a total of 1,437 tons of grapes crushed and put into barrel. Budburst was a week later than usual, but veraison and harvesting were generally right on cue, despite several heat spikes (up to 42°C/107°F) early in the season.

Vinification details

The grapes were machine harvested during the day and at ideal flavour ripeness before being crushed and destemmed. Partially fermented on skins in tank with pumpovers every four hours, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks and 100% American oak hogshead barrels of which 58% new and 42% one year old, where the wine was matured for 8-9 months.

Awards

Wine Spectator: 90 pts