MMAD Shiraz 2021

The MMAD project was always initially meant to focus on Grenache. And in a way, it still does. However, when the site that the team landed on included a patch of old-vine Shiraz material, the opportunity to make something special from this fruit was glaring the guys in the face. So here we have it, a Blewitt Springs Shiraz made by local boy Adam Wadewitz. Funnily enough, it is perhaps my pick of the wines in a strong lineup. Like the Grenache, the Shiraz is rightfully true to its region. There are hints of opulence here, but this is very much kept in check. The wine is only medium bodied and perfectly balances primary fruit with other more savoury, complex components. The elements of garrigue and dried provencal herb particularly interest me, plus there is a slight chew and slight savouriness to the tannins which I suspect comes from the 15% whole bunch inclusion. "Baked Mediterranean earth" was one description of the wine which I particularly liked and I thought captured the wine particularly well. Despite all of these characteristics though, it still seems to have a suppleness and a lightness of touch that can only be attributed to the hands of a cool climate winemaker in Wadewitz. - Ches Cook, FWC.