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.

A delicate and dry Rosé with lifted aromas of violets and blood orange. The palate is textural and flavourful, with vibrant fruit and savoury spice. Good extract and acidity give this wine shape, and a subtle saline edge drives freshness. Finishes with tension and a touch of grip.

This is the MMAD wine that has seen the most evolution, though it feels like the style is now firmly established. Grenache, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and chenin blanc – once again, a snapshot of the vineyard. Classic rose gold, and prettily fragrant, but with savouriness and intensity the driving forces. It’s meaningfully layered, with sour cherries and red berries, watermelon, wild dried herbs, red aperitivo notes, crushed rose petals, hints of spice down the cinnamon and sumac line, green cardamom even, a little exotic, fragrant. There’s pithiness, texture, appealing fruit weight and excellent length. I keep saying this, but rosé needs to be taken a lot more seriously. This is a serious, and seriously enjoyable, wine. Date: Aug 2026; Alcohol: 13%; Drink by: 2029; Rating: 96+ Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion