2024 Ministry of Clouds Shiraz

Rich, spicy and smoky with a long, succulent pepper laced conclusion.

After almost three decades of shared experience in the wine industry, Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood decided to have a crack at their own venture sourcing fruit mainly from high quality vineyards in McLaren Vale to produce wines under their Ministry of Clouds label. Incorporates approximately 18% whole bunches with maturation taking place in a combination of French oak hogsheads, puncheons, demi muids, foudres, and a concrete egg for a period of 7 months.

Dense midnight black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Fragrant liquorice, red plum and blackberry scents infused with clove, smoked meats and peppered earth sail out of the glass. Rich, spicy and smoky, the palate features juicy dark plum and liquorice fruits interwoven with dried clove, smoked meat and peppered earth elements. Polished, fine grained tannins with a long, succulent pepper laced conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
There’s always a panoply of pick times and ferment constructions employed, with the matrix reminiscent of a forensic investigation, carefully linked by string and drawing pins. The impact, however, is entirely effortless, with a seamless feel and gossamer layering. This is agreeably lightweighted, scented with coal-smoky bunch notes, trilling with red fruits and popping with spices, running though coriander seed, green cardamom, white pepper and fennel seed. Goji berry, redcurrant, rose petal, Earl Grey tea, tart blackberry, tamarind … sweet and sour in the right way. A thoroughly modern Vale shiraz with Rhône echoes. Lovely. Drink by 2032.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion