MMAD Shiraz 2021

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 its 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.

From the first vintage for the MMAD team, and it’s hard to imagine a better season. Lovely mild ripening conditions gave beautiful balance to the Shiraz. The fruit was hand-picked, 80% destemmed, and whole berries and whole bunches were fermented in open vats with gentle extraction. There is old vine concentration, and opulence on the palate, with notes of mulberry, blackberry, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. Generous, layered, and complex, with tannins and savoury notes that keep the fruit in check.