The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon The Maitre D’ was raised in 50% new French and American oak for 11 months. Opaque purple-colored with legs that ooze down the glass, it displays a reticent bouquet that with coaxing reveals wood smoke, violets, black currant and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with a glossy texture, succulent fruit, and excellent concentration. This pleasure bent effort can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years. Sparky Marquis calls the 2008 vintage in McLaren Vale, “The vintage from hell”. A huge heat wave struck in March with 15 consecutive days over 100? Fahrenheit. As a result of these challenging conditions, the Mollydooker team made no upper level wines in 2008. The grapes for their entry level wines were sourced predominantly from the cooler regions of Langhorne Creek and Padthaway which were less affected by the heat. In retrospect, the timing for bypassing their top cuvees was probably fortunate because selling those higher priced wines in this economy would have been a major struggle.Importer: Mollydooker International; www.mollydookerwines.com.au

Ripe and open-textured, with dark berry and root beer flavors, echoing with spicy oak on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 6,653 cases made, 5,772 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / South Australia Select to Add