Interesting shtick to the trade marketing of this label. A significant portion of it revolves around a mystery winemaker whose identity is, apparently, unable to be revealed in public on account of his duties at another famous Vale institution. “He is arguably McLaren Vale’s, if not Australia’s, most internationally renowned winemaker.” With the lionisation of terroir these days, it’s curious to see the auteur angle played up.
This wine does feel ‘put together’. Over two days of tasting the acidity failed to mesh with the fruit, leading to a disjointed palate and a somewhat broken line. It does offer up black fruits, chocolate and dark pouch tobacco with a glossy covering of raspberry cordial. There’s a bit of spice and some coffee grounds seeing it out at the end. Rich but ultimately lacking any real depth. A commercial wine in every sense. Average
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $19.99
Tasted: October 2011
Then the winemaker is bound to be Sparky Marquis
Strangely enough I didn’t feel compelled to guess the winemaker – and I have one other Aramis wine here to taste – but that wouldn’t surprise me. The Mollydooker wines certainly possess some commonalities
Sorry, I couldn’t help myself