Swoon over the MMAD Vineyard Grenache 2023

Now we’re getting very serious. From the MMAD Vineyard of Martin Shaw, Michael Hill Smith MW, Adam Wadewitz, and David LeMire MW in Blewitt Springs comes another compelling (and fancy-feeling) McLaren Vale Grenache. Noted as the coolest vintage at the MMAD Vineyard yet, what I love about the MMAD Vineyard Grenache 2023 is the texture – there’s this mouthfilling tide of bright red currant fullness and all sorts of berried brightness that marks this as special. Sort of a cross between McLaren Vale Pinot and ripe Hills Shiraz with not a seam in sight. Full bodied, just a bit warm, maybe, and on a second glass I see the oak as a coffeed background note. But the main game is just the perfect, silken, ripe flow of perfectly textured, vibrant, intense red fruit. I may even be underrating this wine – it’s That Good.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now and for a decade as a start
• Score (out of 20): 18.7
• Score (out of 100): 95
• Alcohol %: 14
• RRP (in $AUD): 77
• Winery website: https://www.mmadvineyard.com/
• Would I buy it?: I'd grab a bottle in a restaurant and have that 'right choice' feel