Mollydooker - 2005 Two Left Feet

The 2005 Mollydooker Two Left Feet is a big big wine that has gotten a ton of hype from the wine press for a couple of reasons. The first is that the Mollydooker venture is headed by Sarah and Sparky Marquis, formerly of Marquis Phillips, an Australian wine group known for producing a fantastic line of wines. The 2nd is the scores received by both Wine Spectator and Robert Parker, the later giving the 2005 Two Left Feet a 94!

Well… I had to find out what all the hype was about!

Referencing Parker’s tasting note, the Marquis’ motto is “We make wines that make people go wow - through attention to detail and commitment to excellence.” This wine certainly made me go “wow” on the first whiff. It’s got a strong aroma of chocolate, anise, blackberry, fig, fennel, and spices. I’m not sure I nailed all the aromas correctly but the bottom line is that there’s a lot going on here. The other thing that stuck me about the wine is the color. That of a purple abyss. As for taste, you really get a sense of the dark fruit and licorice more than anything else. However, there’s also a note of alcohol at the end, not surprising since this clocks in at nearly 16%. The finish is long, soft, mouth coating, and last for about half a minute.

This blend of 65% Shiraz, 19% Merlot, and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely a good wine. However, you really have to be a fan of this big, in your face and bold style of wine. If you are, then go for it. You will certainly not be disappointed. However, if you are at all on the fence regarding blatent new world styles that express themselves along these lines, then beware. This probably isn’t for you.

That said, I fall into the later camp and as much as I appreciate the Mollydooker as a well put together wine, I can’t give this anymore than a B rating. I also feel that the scores lavished on this wine by others is a bit misplaced as I see the wine in an almost polarizing light. You’ll either love it or it won’t be for you. The wine is just too big to allow for any passive drinking. That said, to me a score of 94, an A, an 18+ out of 20, whatever the equivalent, is a score that should reflect a wine where the quality AND pleasure of drinking are hard to argue. This wine doesn’t fit that bill for me.

Still, $20 for a wine that “makes people go wow”, even if its not for you, is something to take notice of.