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.

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. Date: Jan 2025; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $77.00; Drink by: 2035; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

There’s energy and then there’s the kind of exuberance that comes from the well-drained, ancient, sandy soils of Blewitt Springs that can take the energy levels in a wine up a notch or three. The MMAD crew direct that energy into one exciting Grenache. Eye-catching, bright purpley-grape hues. Super bright aromas, all black pepper and gentle florals, plum and cherry with a touch of maraschino cherry and musk. A cooler vintage has brought the black pepper out to play. It’s a striking aspect to the wine, nestling in naturally amongst the black, red fruits, earth, mineral and spices, providing that extra energetic rush via some lively acidity. This is a leading example of the type of quality and class of McLaren Vale Grenache now being celebrated, with elegance and texture threaded in fine tannins. The result is a wine that is both immediately engaging while also showing a developing complexity with the kind of seriousness that is compelling and attention worthy. Rating: 96 Points; Jeni Port

Bilberry, Acai and boysenberry.  A hint of Kirsch and lilac florals. Sandy tannins that spread like a fine gauze across the palate. This vintage shows a brooding side with a darker and deeper core of brown spice including cocoa and crushed black peppercorn. This is always a very tangible and textural wine experience with savoury notes underpinned by purple florals and black fruit. Stay with this wine a while and it will unfurl in its nuance and detail, drink it swifty and you’ll be equally chuffed. I think a flakey meat burek beside this wine would be a very handy lunch or dinner. Drink now or will cellar well for another 5-8 years. Rating: 96 Points; Shanteh Wale