Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz

A superb rich, smooth and powerful shiraz by Mollydocker. The Boxer boasts a robust foundation of dark fruit, black cherries, mocha, and a hint of clove spice that comes alive in the glass. Its velvety texture delivers notes of fresh plum, balanced tannins, and a subtle touch of toasted oak, all of which enhance the richness of the fruit. This wine offers a complex experience with multiple layers that are sure to impress.

• Winery: Mollydooker
• Varietal: Shiraz
• Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
• Vintage: 2022
• Alcohol: 15.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Closure: Cork
  
• Food match: Beef, Game meat, pork, spicy sausage, pizza, Roquefort/bleu-veined cheeses

Mollydooker seems to be one of those Australian wineries that like to be a little different. The word 'Mollydooker' is old Aussie slang for a left handed boxer and the Boxer always punches well above its Fruit Weight. Did you notice on the label he has two left-handed gloves? The Shiraz grapes for this wine are grown in McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek and the resulting wine is matured in mainly American oak barrels ensuring that the wine packs a significant flavour punch. Very rich, very smooth and very powerful wine! Mollydooker created their own guarantee of quality using the Marquis Fruit weight which is the measure of how far back on the tongue the velvety sensation goes. The required amount is a range between 65-75%. If it is lower than this the wine will not be made. This Boxer Shiraz sits at 68%.

Sarah and the Mollydooker Story

The magical tale of Mollydooker starts with a love story……

The year was 1991. With stars in their eyes and the world at their feet, Sarah and Sparky Marquis had just embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Newly married and fresh from their winemaking studies, they had little more than each other, a thousand dollars to their name, and a shared dream—to build something extraordinary. They longed to create remarkable wines, uplift those around them, and, most importantly, never lose sight of the joy in life.

Their journey began in 1994 at Fox Creek, working as winemakers for Sarah’s parents. It was there that they pioneered the Marquis Vineyard Watering Programme™, a revolutionary approach that cultivated grapes of unparalleled quality—grapes that would go on to produce award-winning wines.

Their dedication and innovation quickly bore fruit. In the years that followed, Sarah and Sparky claimed the prestigious Bushing King and Queen Trophy three times, were crowned Australian Boutique Winemakers of the Year, and even earned the title of Australian White Winemakers of the Year. Success, it seemed, was their constant companion.

Yet, a serendipitous turn of events would steer them in an unexpected direction. One day, they learnt that a rejected parcel of their wine had fetched an astonishing price. This revelation sparked an idea—one that would allow them to prioritise what truly mattered: family. They decided to explore the bulk wine market, believing this path would grant them the freedom they craved.

For a time, it did. Their venture thrived—until 1998, when the market crashed. The wine that once sold for $7 a litre was now worth a mere 25 cents. In an instant, everything they had built crumbled. Undeterred, they turned back to their first love: crafting premium wines. They poured their hearts into projects like Henry’s Drive, Parson’s Flat, and Shirvington, as well as their joint venture, Marquis Philips.

Fortune favours the bold, and by 1999, they were once again at the pinnacle of the industry, named Australian Winemakers of the Year. Their wines captured the imagination of Robert Parker, one of the world’s most esteemed wine critics, who proclaimed them “the greatest red wine values in existence… Run, don’t walk, and secure as much as you can of these wines!” In a further triumph, the duo was recognised among Robert Parker’s ‘Top Wine Personalities in the World.’

Marquis Philips was an extraordinary success, growing from 8,000 to 120,000 cases in just four years. Yet, in the midst of their ascent, Sarah and Sparky paused. Was this truly the life they wanted? They had always been driven by passion, by the sheer delight of winemaking and sharing their craft with friends. The thought of becoming a corporate machine, of compromising on quality, was unthinkable. So, they made a courageous decision: they would forge their own path, remaining small, hands-on, and utterly dedicated to excellence.

But life had another test in store. An unexpected crisis left them with just $17 in their bank account and no way to move forward. They had always prided themselves on integrity, on paying suppliers not just on time, but early. Now, they couldn’t even afford to label their wine.

Then, as if scripted by fate, a local businessman walked through their door. He had heard whispers of their struggles and simply asked to hear their story. Half an hour later, he left for a month-long holiday, but not before handing them a cheque—enough to keep them afloat for another month.

The outpouring of support that followed was nothing short of miraculous. Their team took pay cuts, suppliers extended credit, and growers accepted late payments. It was a challenging time, but Sarah and Sparky had faith. With a steadfast spirit and a team that believed in them, they knew they would rise again.

In March 2006, their resilience bore fruit. Mollydooker was born—a name that perfectly suited them, meaning ‘left-hander’ in Aussie slang, as they both were. Their vision was simple: to craft wines with heart, to tell their story through vibrant, unforgettable labels, and to make people say ‘WOW!’ with every sip.

Their very first vintage in June 2006 stunned the wine world. Robert Parker rated The Boxer Shiraz the ‘Best Value Red Wine in the World,’ with Two Left Feet Shiraz/Cabernet and The Maitre D’ Cabernet following close behind. The Violinist Verdelho was named the ‘Best Value White Wine in the World.’ The wines sold out in a mere 17 days, clearing all debts in the process. By August, when the Carnival of Love (WA:99) and Enchanted Path (WA:96) were released, they vanished from shelves in just five days. Mollydooker was back—and thriving.

Since then, their story has been one of remarkable success. The Velvet Glove Shiraz became their fifth wine to be awarded 99 points by The Wine Advocate, while the Carnival of Love has graced Wine Spectator’s ‘Top Ten Wines in the World’ three times.

By 2007, it was time for the next chapter: owning their own winery. They found the perfect home on the magical Seaview Ridge in McLaren Vale, a region famed for its iconic wines. Over the next three years, they transformed the estate, replacing lesser vines with premium Shiraz, enhancing the watering system, and refining their acclaimed Vineyard Watering Programme™.

Today, Mollydooker is a family of 70 dedicated individuals, with six based in the US and an additional 25 joining during vintage. Their philosophy remains unwavering: to craft wines that inspire awe, through meticulous attention to detail and an unyielding commitment to quality. They measure every wine by its Marquis Fruit Weight™, ensuring only the most exceptional make it to bottle.

Yet, despite their success, they have never forgotten the kindness shown to them in their hour of need. With gratitude at their core, they established ‘Sip it Forward’—a heartfelt initiative directing a portion of Mollydooker’s proceeds to support communities both locally and globally. They have built education centres for vulnerable children in Cambodia, funded rehabilitation programmes for young women in crisis, and contributed to organisations aiding the homeless in Adelaide.

By 2017, as one chapter closed, another began. Sarah and Sparky, once inseparable partners in wine, now pursued their own ‘Enchanted Paths.’ Sarah stepped into the role of sole owner and chief winemaker, guiding Mollydooker with the support of her dedicated team.

From a young couple with a dream to a global name synonymous with excellence, Sarah and Sparky’s journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the magic of believing in the impossible. And through every glass of Mollydooker wine, their story continues—one sip at a time.

• 90/100 Points - CellarTracker (2022 vintage)
• 91/100 Points - Wine Spectator (2021 vintage)
• 88/100 Points - CellarTracker (2021 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - Wine Spectator (2020 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)
• 90/100 Points - Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)