MMAD Shiraz, McLaren Vale

MMAD Shiraz comes from a single vineyard planted in 1941 on the Blewitt Springs sands of McLaren Vale. The vineyard is dry-grown and sustainably farmed, with the site’s elevation and cooling gully breezes helping retain freshness in the fruit. MMAD is a collaboration between Michael Hill Smith MW, Martin Shaw, Adam Wadewitz, and David LeMire MW—each bringing long experience in Australian wine, with a focus here on site expression over winemaking artefact.

The fruit is hand-picked and fermented with a portion of whole bunches before maturation in large-format seasoned oak. The result is a wine that consistently offers dark, savoury fruit with lifted floral notes. The palate is finely structured with layers of spice, dried herbs and plum, balanced by bright acidity and supple tannins. It’s a style that speaks more to perfume and detail than sheer weight, with ageing potential and versatility at the table.