2023 MMAD Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache, McLaren Vale

Grown on Maslin sand, with the oldest grenache vines planted in '39. Floral and sultry, with intense red fruits, dark raspberry, macerated strawberry and pomegranate juice, cracked whole spices, coal dust. There are black cherry notes, too, with a certain darkness to the vivid and lively fruit profile, the old vines having their say, perhaps. That quality is repeated on the palate, with the silkiness those vines yield a feature of all the releases thus far, the tannins resolute and resolved, carrying the flavours long. There’s a clear thread emerging with the MMAD wines that tell a distinctive story of place, and it’s one that’s exciting to watch unfold.

96 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

From the deep sandy soils of Blewitt Springs comes a Grenache that has quickly earned cult status in McLaren Vale. MMAD Vineyard is the collaboration between Martin Shaw, Michael Hill Smith MW and Adam Wadewitz, with Shaw and Smith guiding the viticulture and winemaking with a clear focus on site transparency and finesse. The vineyard itself is a treasure, planted in 1939 to bush vine Grenache, rooted in ancient sands that naturally restrict vigour and yield fruit of aromatic intensity and silky structure. In a region known for generous styles, this bottling champions elegance, fragrance and age worthy detail.

Bright crimson with translucent ruby edges, the aromatics are immediately lifted and pure. Wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry glide from the glass, joined by rose petal, dried thyme and a subtle spice note. The sandy Blewitt Springs soils lend a distinctive perfume and fine boned mineral line rather than weight.

On the palate it is medium bodied yet deeply layered, driven by vibrant natural acidity and ultra fine tannins. Juicy red berry fruit forms the core, framed by savoury herbs, white pepper and a whisper of earth. The texture is silky and persistent, carrying through to a long, poised finish that balances brightness with quiet power. It is Grenache defined by detail and composure rather than sheer richness.

Pair with slow roasted lamb shoulder, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, duck with cherry glaze or mushroom and lentil dishes. While captivating in its youth for perfume and energy, this wine will cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, developing complex notes of dried rose, spice and savoury depth.