MMAD Vineyard, located in the dress circle of Blewitt Springs and first planted in 1939.
The old vines of Blewitt Springs are a precious resource and an important part of Australia’s viticultural heritage. 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 name from their first initials. The MMAD Vineyard wines aim to reflect the unique terroir of Blewitt Springs and the rare old vines that grow there.
MMAD Vineyard is owned by a partnership of four wine professionals, Martin Shaw, Michael Hill Smith MW, Adam Wadewitz, and David LeMire MW.
Michael and Martin, who are cousins, founded Adelaide Hills winery Shaw + Smith together in 1989. Adam and David are now co-CEOs at Shaw + Smith, where Adam is the Chief Winemaker and David is the Head of Sales and Marketing.
The MMAD Grenache is the first release from this new Shaw + Smith label, and it's sure to be popular.
Gaining access to a vineyard planted in 1939 is no easy feat, but thankfully MMAD has been able to create a wine that truly expresses the nuances possible from such old vines.
Its clarity matches its freshness; 10% whole bunches, 90% whole berry, 20 days in Italian-made tulip-shaped concrete 4-tonne fermenters, matured 15 months in old French puncheons. The highly fragrant blend of cherry and plum drives a long, fine, elegant palate.