The 2021 vintage was cool in McLaren Vale, and that season has brought with it a lightness and leafiness in the 2021 The Scooter Merlot that the 2020 did not possess. The fruit is soft but doesn't stand up to the alcohol through the finish. The high-octane style, in my opinion, suits the Shiraz better than it does the Merlot. Each to their own.

Leans into peppery notes up front, with juicy red berry and plum flavors at the core and toasted herb, cigar box and bittersweet chocolate notes on the velvety finish. Drink now through 2033. 1,330 cases made, 462 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

The 2020 The Scooter Merlot is overly warm and porty, with a plume of prune and date through the finish. The wine has moved away from its varietal roots and has transcended to dry red territory—full of red berries, cherries and spice. Juicy drinking, but do it soon...

Generous, ripe and plump, with dark chocolate, dried blueberry, huckleberry and blackberry flavors that are accented by dried herb, violets and a touch of salted caramel on a thick frame, with tannins providing wonderful traction on the finish. Drink now through 2035. 2,243 cases made, 1,560 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Mollydooker's 2019 The Scooter Merlot is one of the few Merlots to be found that's almost entirely matured in American oak (93%, with the balance being French). The upfront vanilla is obvious (one-third of the barrels are new, with the balance being second and third use), but it's backed by oodles (a technical term) of black cherries, while hints of plums and mocha also appear. Full-bodied and supple, it's a decadent, creamy wine for drinking over the near term, finishing with soft tannins and a drizzle of maple syrup.