Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2023 from Mollydooker in McLaren Vale’s Gateway vineyard is a deep, inky celebration of shiraz that’s all about plush fruit and theatre in the glass. Barrel‑fermented and matured in 100% new American oak at 15.5% alcohol, it’s unapologetically full throttle yet still shows a surprising amount of delicacy and detail.

Aromas of red cherry, blackberry and aniseed leap out, followed by choc‑cherry, fresh plum and liquorice that roll across the palate in dense, seamless waves. The mouthfeel is saturated and velvety, with that high Marquis Fruit Weight™ giving a melted‑chocolate richness and a long, satisfying finish rather than simple jammy sweetness. It’s the kind of McLaren Vale shiraz that feels more like a carnival ride than a quiet contemplation wine.

Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2023 begs for prime rib, slow‑braised beef, lamb shanks or a serious barbecue spread, where its intensity, dark‑chocolate notes and polished tannins can really go to work. It’s a big, charismatic bottle for nights when you want flavour dialled right up, and a luxurious take on modern McLaren Vale shiraz that left‑handers and right‑handers alike will happily get stuck into.