Mollydooker McLaren Vale Maître D' Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

With heavy rain in the McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek regions during July, we saw a massive 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 due to our open canopies allowing air flow and perfect summer temperatures, our grapes were not affected.

The quality of our Verdelho crops this year was second to none. Our new early pick Verdelho, exclusive to our Cellar Door, received excellent feedback. All our red varieties produced extraordinary results, with many blocks achieving greater yields and higher Fruit Weights™ than ever before. Our total crop yield came in at 1363 tonnes, a result of the success of our Marquis Vineyard Watering Programme™.

The Fruit Weight™ and flavours needed time to develop in the vineyards before we could begin crafting the wines in the winery. Our patience was well rewarded with plenty of bright, vibrant fruit. Primary ferments were vigorous and healthy; some were cooled to 3.5˚c to slow down the fermentation to allow maximum colour and flavour to be extracted from the skins. 2017 was one of our biggest and most successful vintages to date.

Marquis Fruit Weight™ is the percentage of your palate (from the tip of your tongue going all the way back) that's covered by the velvety sensation of fruit, before you experience any of the structural components of the wine. Required: 65% - 70% Actual: 67

The fruit for Mollydooker Maitre D' is sourced from McLaren Vale vineyards - Coppermine Road, Martins Road & Long Gully Road, and are sustainably grown. Picked between the 2nd of May and the 5th of May. Barrel fermented and matured in American oak (86%), and French oak (14%), of which 34% was new, 45% 1 year old, and 16% 2 years old.