Mollydooker The Scooter Merlot

Mollydooker The Scooter Merlot 2023 from Mollydooker’s Long Gully Road vineyard in McLaren Vale is a fragrant, silky merlot that shows the estate’s plush style in a slightly more easygoing frame. Barrel‑fermented and matured in mostly American oak at 14.5% alcohol, it’s built for vivid fruit and smooth drinking rather than stern structure.

Cherries and forest fruits jump out first, joined by fresh plum and sweet berry compote with a gentle lift of nutmeg and cinnamon spice. The palate is plush and juicy, with soft, delicate tannins and a refined complexity that keeps it from feeling simple – more polished, ruby‑fruited comfort than heavy, chewy merlot.

Mollydooker The Scooter Merlot 2023 is a natural match for beef burgers, venison, sausages, pizza and savoury dishes that like a friendly, fruit‑rich red alongside. It’s an approachable but characterful McLaren Vale merlot that works just as well on a casual weeknight as it does at a relaxed barbecue or tapas spread.