Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2017 (McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek)

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.

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(™).

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 and is our guarantee of quality.
Required: 65% - 70%
Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2017 Actual: 68%

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 3.5c 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.

Sustainably Grown, harvested 6th April – 3rd May. Barrel fermented and matured in 100% American oak, consisting of 37% new, 59% 1yr old, & 4% 2yr old. Vegan Friendly. Winery Notes