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