-
96
/ 100
Shanteh Wale -
93
/ 100
Huon Hooke
White
Classification
Chenin Blanc
Variety
2022
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
South Australia, McLaren Vale
Region
13.0%
Alcohol %
5-10 Years
Cellaring
Scores
96 / 100"50% of the pickings were crushed and fermented to concrete and 50% was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in large-format seasoned oak. The Blewitt Springs vineyard was planted in 1939 and one does not often taste 80 year+ plus Chenin Blanc in Australia. As of 2022 the vineyard is solely in the management hands of the MMAD team. Flannel flowers, pomelo pith and pumice stone. White apple flesh, nectarine and lemon sorbet. It’s delicately floral with marine accents. Driftwood, salt spray and ozonic aromas. A white almond crunch with a briney salinity, the wine coils and stretches along the palate. The interplay of acidity, fine lacey phenolics and great length of flavour is becoming a trademark of style for this wine. Beautifully positioned for drinking with delicate raw seafood. Drink now and will cellar upwards of 8 years. Omakase come AT me."
- Shanteh Wale
93 / 100
"Bright, light yellow hue with a nutty bouquet that reflects some barrel work, combined with creamy, waxy, pastry-like nuances. The wine is bright and intense in the mouth, restrained and quietly persuasive, with a bone-dry balance and refreshing qualities. There's a lot to like here."
- Huon Hooke
Tasting Notes
An expressive and florally attractive Chenin from some super-old vines in Blewitt Springs.
The MMAD Chenin Blanc is rich and ripe, with a youthful nose but the solid structure that comes from old vines.
The Chenin vines are the "babies" of the MMAD vineyard, planted in 1964. Those decades of growth help to explain the complexities on offer. The other explanation is the diversity of winemaking techniques: whole bunches pressed to French oak puncheons, and crushed fruit fermented in concrete with some skin contact.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity