MMAD Grenache 2022

The old vines of Blewitt Springs are a precious resource, and an important part of Australia’s viticultural history. In early 2021, MMAD Vineyard was purchased by a quartet made up of winemakers Martin Shaw and Adam Wadewitz, and Masters of Wine Michael Hill Smith and David LeMire. MMAD takes its names from their first initials. The MMAD wines aim to reflect the unique terroir of Blewitt Springs and the rare old vines that thrive there, namely the Grenache planted in 1939, Shiraz planted in 1942 and Chenin Blanc planted in 1964. From the first vintage for the MMAD team, and it’s hard to imagine a better season. Lovely mild ripening conditions provided a Grenache with an intense core of red and blue fruit. The grapes were mostly destemmed and fermented as whole berries in open concrete and stainless steel, before aging in used 500 litre puncheons. 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. Ned Goodwin, JamesSuckling.com, 97 Points. 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. – Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion, 97 Points. The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Grenache Country – Australia Region – Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14% Closure – Screw Cap Cellaring Potential – 15 years from vintage date