Description

MMAD Rose is gorgeous drinking with a depth that could rival my favourite wines of Bandol. It is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chenin Blanc, which represents the grapes that are planted on this site. MMAD Rose is spicy, zesty, savoury, with a creamy mouthfeel and a touch of amaro on the finish. I have been happily drinking this wine and will continue to unless you buy some off me.

MMAD is a partnership of four. Famously Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW who started Shaw + Smith together in 1989, along with winemaker Adam Wadewitz and Sales + Marketing head David LeMire MW. They have acquired a vineyard in the higher, cooler part of McLaren Vale; Blewitt Springs. The highlight of the vineyard is Grenache, planted in 1939, Chenin Blanc, planted in 1964, and Shiraz, planted in 1941. This is a recipe for great wines and of the range I have tasted to date, I have greatly enjoyed them all.

MMAD Rose Blewitt Springs 2024 Wine Review

Marcus Ellis
95 Points
Halliday Wine Companion
4 October 2024
“The second release of rosé for MMAD, and from all varieties on the old vineyard: grenache, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and chenin blanc. Like the 2023, the proportions are a mystery, and lifted herbal notes of cabernet again lead the aromatics, but the colour has been dialled down to a classic coral pink. Grenache lends red-fruited detail and floral lilt. There’s spice, too. And flavour and texture aplenty. That’s also like the 2023, but here the balance, detail and vibrancy are much more finely tuned. Excellent.”

Blewitt Springs

There are a lot of people who believe that the sandy, ironstone-rich soils of Blewitt Springs are the best place in Australia for Grenache. Some would argue it rivals the best places in the world. With the modern style of Grenache being made from old vines, it is hard to argue the point. The aromatics, texture and complexity are evident and I am looking forward to trying more and more of the mature wines from Blewitt Springs.

McLaren Vale

The maritime climate and sandy soils of McLaren Vale make it a great place for growing grapes. Reds in particular excel here. Shiraz of course, but the Spanish varieties Grenache and Tempranillo seem well suited too. The maritime climate helps mitigate some of the heat from the SA summers and the sandy soils mean that phylloxera could not survive and so they have some of the oldest vines in the world.