MMAD Chenin Blanc 2023
A late and cool growing season gave us smaller, more flavourful bunches and lifted aromatics. There is a richness and density of fruit on the mid-palate that reflects another year of our farming the vineyard, and lower yields. We are starting to uncover the full potential of these old vines. A mix of crushed and whole bunch pressed fruit was fermented in both concrete and large format old oak bring texture to the wine. The textured palate is balanced with a mineral, saline edge and long, pithy finish.
The 2023 Chenin Blanc has the concentration and structure to develop fine tertiary characters in the bottle over the next 15 years.
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 names from their first initials. The MMAD wines aim to reflect the unique terroir of Blewitt Springs and the rare old vines that thrive there, namely the Grenache planted in 1939, Shiraz planted in 1942 and Chenin Blanc planted in 1964.
Seafood, Charcuterie and Goats Cheese
The wine combines a fine-ness from the whole bunch pressed component with more texture from the crushed fruit, and an array of characters including citrus peel, cumquat, hessian, sea spray and a hint of lanolin.
The palate is long and framed by crisp acidity, with exciting ageing potential.
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