2022 MMAD Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache, McLaren Vale

A sumptuously perfumed grenache with no shortage of structural exactitude and the tension that comes with it. Lilacs, tapenade, raspberry coulis, freshly picked strawberries and anise. Dried lavender and rosemary are bound to the tannic latticework. Salty and nourishing, with the warmth of umami across the long finish.

96 points Ned Goodwin MW jamessuckling.com

The second release of the MMAD Vineyard label, and off its 1939-planted Blewitt Springs vineyard. About 15% whole bunches, fermented in wood and steel, maturation in concrete and large old French oak. Unlike the 2022 shiraz, this takes time to emerge from the glass. It’s all there, though. There’s a brooding quality at present, with nori, iodine and ferrous notes filtering up through dark red cherry, plum, raspberry and sultry florals. Some spicy, musky characters emerge with air. Tannin is a meaningful factor, a pleasingly natural grape-derived affair, rugged but never rustic. A seriously compelling wine, and further proof of how thrilling McLaren Vale grenache is right now, for both its quality and the unparalleled diversity in top-flight expressions.

97 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au Feb 2024

Best Single Vineyard Viticulturist for Murray Leake

Best Small Producer for MMAD Vineyard

MMAD Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache is a standout expression of old vine Grenache from McLaren Vale, grown in the deep sands of Blewitt Springs. This vineyard was planted in 1939 and is now in the hands of the MMAD quartet: Martin Shaw, Michael Hill Smith MW, Adam Wadewitz and David LeMire MW. Their mission is to honour great old vines through minimal intervention and a vineyard-first approach, and this Grenache absolutely delivers on that philosophy.

Blewitt Springs is one of McLaren Vale’s most prized subregions, known for its elevation, cool evening breezes and fine, sandy soils that lend delicacy and fragrance to Grenache. The fruit here ripens slowly and evenly, building complexity and fine structure rather than overt power.

Winemaker Adam Wadewitz handles the fruit with restraint. It’s hand-picked, wild fermented with a portion of whole bunches, and aged in large old oak to let the purity of the vineyard shine. The result is a beautifully perfumed, medium-bodied Grenache with energy and texture.

Aromas of red cherry, blood orange, raspberry leaf, pink pepper and rose petal jump from the glass. The palate is fresh and detailed, with silken tannins, mineral acidity and a lingering finish of spice and crushed herbs. There’s a lightness of touch here, but no shortage of depth or persistence.

It’s an incredibly food-friendly wine. Try it with grilled quail, lamb kofta, pomegranate-glazed eggplant, or chargrilled octopus with sumac. It can be enjoyed young for its brightness but will reward 5 to 8 years in the cellar with added complexity and savoury development.