
- 97
- 98
Coming Soon - 2024 MMAD Vineyard Grenache
MMAD unites the experienced team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle around a historic single vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. Working with rare vines dating as far back as 1939 set in sand over ironstone soils, they craft nuanced Grenache, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc deeply rooted in provenance. It is a focused, site-driven project dedicated to letting these ancient vines express their true sense of place.
Other Reviews...
MMAD red wines have a whole new groove and by that I mean they are now sealed under Diam closure, and what a win that is for those that are lucky enough to own a Coravin because this sure is a wine to be savoured each and every sip. Holy heavenly aromas batman, this is seduction in a glass. Tea rose, sweet pea and framboise rise from the glass, followed by an evocative turn into a Chinese tea shop: oolong, burdock root and fine spice. There’s an otherworldly finesse on the palate, where silty, time-worn tannins settle into place with quiet authority. Acidity pulls back like a gathering tide before surging forward with freshness and energy, giving the wine both tension and lift. The fruit and shape reminds you of its Grenache but not like anything you have had before. This is truly special in every way. What to drink with this, well stewed game meats would work nicely but I would be inclined to go for Chinese pork floss milk buns whilst you fall into a soft couch in total happiness. Remarkable wine.
98 points
Shanteh Wale - Wine Pilot
Now bottled under diam, a preference based on tasting trials. This is in excellent form – duskily floral, mineral, with old-vine depth and balance, silky, plush in the right way through the mid-palate, bunch notes adding ultra-subtle spice and chewy tannin to the sandy, silty skin tannin. There’s something about the fruit, off those ’39 vines on sandy soils, that is so distinctive, with deep blue and purple florals, sultry and spicy, dark red fruits, ripe but weightless. There are also blue fruit tones and a maritime, iodine quality, an iron oxide note present but not dominant. The aroma is showstopping but not showy. In fact, it took me some time to taste the wine, such is the allure; but the palate confirms that this is likely the best release yet. Drink 2026-2036.
97+ points
Marcus Ellis - James Halliday's Wine Companion
to most of Australia
