Ministry of Clouds is the creation of Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood and it’s just on a decade since they decided to leave the security of the corporate wine world (the ministry) for the adventure (the clouds) of their own wine venture. And it’s been quite a journey thus far.

Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art of “golden joinery”, the creation of enduring beauty from broken fragments of ancient pottery as they are pieced together with lacquer laced with gold. It befits our desire to meticulously blend only our very best parcels of old vine fruit from a single year. In direct contrast with the Australian obsession to label single varietal wines, Kintsugi is the simply the best Southern Rhone inspired wine we can make in a year, no matter its components.

85/10/5% grenache/mataro/shiraz; 40% whole bunches, the balance whole berries. Submerged for 3 weeks (not plunged or pumped over) and fermented wild. Matured on fine lees for 18 months in mix of inert tanks and used oak. A deliciously spicy and lively bouquet, and a medium-bodied palate travelling along the same pathway to a long and juicy finish. To be gulped, not sipped, thanks to its modest alcohol. Drink to: 2032; Price: $85.00; Date Tasted: Sept 2021; Alcohol: 14.2%; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion