Waxy,

       sea spray,

finger lime.

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Tasting notes

Vintage Guide

Bri Hammond923 Shawandsmith 0125 Highres

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2023

MMAD Vineyard
Chenin Blanc

Notes

The Wine

Complex and intense with lifted notes of honeysuckle and fresh quince. The finely structured palate is shaped by citrus pith, ripe grapefruit and subtle waxy notes. Intense yet restrained, the wine balances layered flavours, phenolic grip and sea spray freshness with mineral tension and bright acidity. A combination of whole bunch pressed and crushed fruit was fermented in old oak and concrete, before maturation in old French oak puncheons. Time on lees and malolactic fermentation has added texture, balancing the fresh acidity.

The Season

Good winter rainfall and mild spring conditions supported strong vine growth and ideal flowering, resulting in even bunches. Summer was slightly warmer than average with no extended heat, carrying through
to harvest. Rainfall was minimal from summer on, but early moisture was enough to sustain the dry-grown vines. A warm, dry finish gave perfect, disease-free ripening.

Serving

Serving Temperature - 10 – 12°C

Cellaring Potential - Has the concentration and structure to develop fine tertiary characters in bottle over the next 15 years

ABV - 12.5%

The Vineyard

Located in the dress circle of Blewitt Springs, MMAD Vineyard has Grenache that was first planted in 1939, as well as Shiraz and Chenin Blanc, the oldest of which were planted in 1941 and 1964 respectively. The vineyard has the fine Maslin sands found in Blewitt Springs, and is exposed to the fresh sea breezes from the south-west. Below the sand is a layer of ironstone pebbles, and this combination of sand, ironstone, and cooling winds gives both perfume and structure to the wines.

The Story

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 name from their first initials. The MMAD wines aim to reflect the unique terroir of Blewitt Springs and the rare old vines that thrive there.

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Past Vintages

2024

Cool then mild growing season

Lovely cool season aromatics, complemented with energy and extract on the palate.

Tasting Note

2023

Late and cool growing season

Textured palate is balanced with a mineral, saline edge and long, pithy finish

Tasting Note

2022

Low yielding and cool season. Fruit concentration is a feature of the year.

Has the concentration and structure to develop fine tertiary characters in bottle over the next 15 years.

Tasting Note

2021

From the first vintage for the MMAD team, and it’s hard to imagine a better season. Lovely mild ripening conditions gave us Chenin Blanc with bright acidity and plenty of flavour.

Has the concentration and structure to develop fine tertiary characters in bottle over the next 15 years.

Tasting Note

MMAD Vineyard Chenin Blanc

750ml / 2025

Half Bottle / 2023 Magnum / 2025