2010 Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz Review
Mollydooker is quickly becoming a wino's household name because of their varieties offered, interesting bottle designs and quality products. This was the last installment of their wines that I needed to try as I've been holding this particular bottle for about 2 years. This vintage had a prime drink range until 2020 so we're knocking on the door. As I've stated before, I'm not particularly fond of holding some wines until the latter end of the ideal drinking range but if you inspect this bottle closely you'll notice it has a screw top. Those Australians are big proponents of the screw top, even in nice bottles, because it keeps the wine better on those long voyages from the prison continent. Therefore, this wine can absolutely be consumed toward the end of its life cycle.
I poured this through the Vinturi aerator into the decanter you see above and let it aerate for almost 2 hours - I do not think that was enough but we'll get there, friends. Immediately upon pouring you could tell it was going to be "jammy." Jammy means a very thick wine overpowered with fruit flavor (LIKE YOU'RE EATING JAM, MAN) that makes you feel like you're almost chewing on the wine.
While it sat I dabbled in various other activities like stuffing my face full of finger foods, thick cut bacon and rose wine. Not sure if this was a mistake or not - I don't think it was because I have been spiritually prepared for this bottle for quite some time.
I got over anxious and poured this bottle at the 2 hour mark but I should have waited another 30 minutes - be patient, friends especially with something of this magnitude. The wine was exactly as the bottle described - velvet. I would have hoped for a slight addition of tannins to make the wine feel like you weren't chewing on a mouthful of fruit but minor setback. Notes of leather and blackberry jam were everywhere - I was surrounded, mang. The only thing I can honestly say I was a bit disappointed in was the finish. It seemed to taper off rather quickly which for all of its boldness and POWAH was surprising.
I'm not going to sit here and make a recommendation to you on whether to buy it or not. This is a lot of money for this wine and I would say this is not something for you to pick up as a hot date night wine because after you drink it you will probably feel like you've just eaten a 36 oz. steak. If you do decide to pick up one of these bad boys (in any vintage) make sure you let it sit for at least 2.5 hours and try not to eat a ton before / during the wining.
Overall I was pretty happy with this bottle. Definitely a new experience in the world of Shiraz and I can imagine throwing this wine up would be absolutely miserable.