Technical Analysis
When making the Enchanted Path, Mollydooker make the Carnival of Love Shiraz then blend it with their very best parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting note
Working together in perfect harmony, this Shiraz/Cabernet blend gives us the best of both worlds. Enchanted Path radiates varietal Cabernet notes of fresh plum, clove and hints of choc mint. The Shiraz chimes in voicing big red berry fruits, aniseed spice with layers of milk chocolate. Supple tannins and its creamy mouthfeel allow the concentrated flavours to be thoroughly enjoyed on the palate. A beautifully balanced wine with true finesse
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. Enchanted Path was barrel fermented and matured, in 96% American and 4% French oak barrels, of which 85% were new, 15% one year old.
Technical Analysis
When making the Enchanted Path, Mollydooker make the Carnival of Love Shiraz then blend it with their very best parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting note
An intriguing nose of pomegranate, cherry and anise. The first sip brings a chorus of flavours that include blackberry and plum with vanilla and dark chocolate notes. Fine yet broad, the tannins create a smooth mouthfeel that carry the complex layers of flavour.
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. Enchanted Path was barrel fermented and matured, in 95% American/5% French oak barrels, of which 85% were new, 15% one year old.
Technical Analysis
When making the Enchanted Path, Mollydooker make the Carnival of Love Shiraz then blend it with their very best parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting note
Mollydooker's take on the quintessential Australian blend gets its generosity from Shiraz, whilst Cabernet provides structure. Fragrant raspberries and hints of toasty butterscotch fill the bouquet, while maraschino cherry notes greet you on the first sip. With an incredible depth formed by fine tannins, the finish of vanilla crème rounds out the palate.
Vintage conditions
With heavy rain in the McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek regions during July, Mollydooker saw a 31% increase in rainfall. These 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 the open canopies allowed air flow and with perfect summer temperatures, the 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 oak hogshead barrels (95% American, 5% French) of which 85% new and 15% one year old, where the wine was matured for 8-9 months.
Technical Analysis
When making the Enchanted Path, Mollydooker make the Carnival of Love Shiraz then blend it with their very best parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting note
For the 2014 Enchanted Path, the Mollydooker winemaking team found the perfect blend to be 70% Carnival of Love and 30% prime Cabernet. A mouthful of red fruit; cherries, wild berries and fresh plum greet you as well as vanilla and dark chocolate, cinnamon spice and notes of mocha. Silky tannins give this enjoyable wine phenomenal length.
Vintage conditions
Almost the perfect vintage, with heat in January, some rain in February just when it was needed, and perfect ripening weather in March with temperatures in the mid 20s. The openness of the canopies and ventilation in the fruit zone gave lovely clean fruit.
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 oak hogshead barrels (94% American, 6% French) of which 85% new and 15% one year old, where the wine was matured for 8-9 months.