MMAD Vineyard Grenache 2023
MMAD Vineyard Grenache 2023

MMAD Vineyard Grenache 2023

Cellar or drinkRed wineAustralia96 points - The Wine PilotScrew cap

Grenache with grit and grace 🍒🌿

The 2023 MMAD Vineyard Grenache comes from seriously old vines—planted in 1939 on the Blewitt Springs sands of McLaren Vale. This is site-driven Grenache that trades sheer power for perfume, elegance, and mineral edge.

Expect vibrant cherry and subtle florals, layered with spice and fine tannins. It’s got body and structure, with a savoury undertone and long finish that speaks to both the vineyard and the hands behind it.

MMAD is the collective project of Michael Hill Smith MW, Martin Shaw, Adam Wadewitz and David LeMire MW—and in just a few short vintages, it’s already turning heads.

This is modern McLaren Vale Grenache with a soulful old-vine twist.

Drink window,2025 to 2035
Type,Red wine
Varietals,Grenache
Vintage,2023
ABV,14%
Country,Australia
Region,South Australia
Sub region,McLaren Vale
Bottle size,750ml
Bottle closure,Screw cap

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Flavour & structure
Red fruitSpice & pepperFirm tanninsLong finish
Food pairing
Red meatPasta & tomatoSalads & veggies

What the experts say about this wine

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.

Very deep, concentrated purple colour, surprising in varietal grenache. There are talcum powder/sandalwood, and reserved spice aromas, the palate opening with a big burst of sweet fruit, backed by masses of firm tannins and in the centre a deep well of very ripe blackberry flavour. Graphite and ironstone tannin finish which is grippy and puckering. A solid lump of a wine that is a bit young to broach at present but will surely reward cellaring for many years.

Raspberry, red cherry, a fair bit of white pepper and cinnamon (oak?) spice, a bit mulchy too, with something of poached strawberry top note. It’s juicy, again that strawberry in syrup flavour, a dusty and peppery grip to tannin, and it feels a bit warmer than its stated alcohol, with a somewhat washy and diffuse finish of solid length. Dusty and sweet to close. I’m not exactly MMAD about it, but it’s a decent wine all up.

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