James Halliday – This wine has shapeshifted nicely over the years, segueing from a fruit-forward iteration to a more streamlined, taut and spicy expression. Mid weighted, savoury and highly suggestive of the northern Rhône. Aromas of mace, clove, dill pickle, salumi and spiced cherry. Yet there is nothing hard to the tannins or too challenging for those seeking established styles. Juicy and long of flow, this makes for excellent, versatile everyday drinking. - Ned Goodwin (James Halliday Wine Companion)
James Halliday – Very old, low-yielding vines (circa 1900), all on sandy soils. Crushed and cold soaked for a couple of days. A short, open-topped fermentation is buttressed by oak, French and American, where the wine spends a lengthy period. A brooding, take-no-prisoners sort of expression that harks back to wines of yore. Mocha, vanilla, espresso and bourbon scents mask dark cherry, anise, clove and violet. At least at this nascent stage. Yet there is nothing harsh or edgy about this. The power, excess and underlying fruit fold into a well-polished package.
Ned Goodwin MW
Published 13 August 2021
The Wine Front – Biodynamic farmed from a single vineyard on the Paxton estate. Grows up in French and American oak barrels. Paxton have been a leading light in showing biodynamic (certified) viticulture can be done to scale, well.
Inky, deep, throaty red of hearty, dark fruit character, all inky cassis and choc-berry, liquid spice, fat tannins. A juicy, fleshy, plush flow of espresso tinged plummy fruit, gritty, savouriness to close. This is a big, bold red of warming character and density. Touch of warmth in the mix. It’s done pretty well for its style.
James Halliday – Biodynamic-grown fruit, open-fermented, matured in French and American barriques for 18 months. A celebrated McLaren Vale single vineyard wine, effortlessly providing a deep well of black fruits and fine-grained tannins, the oak a positive contributor, not a rabble rouser.
World Wine – Chocolate, dried plum and anise notes are juicy and bursting with blackberry accents. Balanced and smooth, especially on the finish. Drink now through 2026.
The Wine Front – If you’re lucky, and most of us aren’t, there comes a time in your life when it all comes together. I suspect that’s what’s happened with this Blewitt Springs vineyard, planted in the middle of the Second World War, and the collection of wine people behind MMAD, all of whom have weathered a lot of summers in a lot of places in the pursuit of wine excellence. This wine tastes of a lot of right decisions, and of a lot of time spent in the journey to them. It has texture, balance, flavour and all that, but as my mum would say, ‘any dumb bunny can do that’. More importantly, what this wine has is all the nods and winks. I once wrote, a long time ago, of a moment where union legend David Campese ran straight through a bunch of defenders without breaking stride, or altering course. He did something, something that couldn’t be seen, and made the impossible look effortless. So too here. It has degrees of silk, fruit enough, a spinnaker on the finish, a volume of nuance. If there was such a thing for single vineyard, vintage, Aussie shiraz, this wine would be classified as first growth.
James Halliday – "This is a seriously impressive release, showcasing winemaker Adam Wadewitz’s
learnings from the first vintage and the bounty of full viticultural control. The
old-vine fruit could easily handle about one-third whole bunch, a Wadewitz
favourite. And that impact is profoundly positive, weaving in spicy, smoky notes
and complexing tannins to provide exceptional tension without greenness. Red
and blue fruits, violet and dusky red florals, coal dust, anise, cacao and roasted
coffee bean. Intensity on the palate at moderate alcohol and no heavy mid-palate
sweetness nor new oak. Rather, it is poised throughout, with fruit intensity
seamlessly meshed into a silky, supple but aptly assertive structure, a ferrous nori/
kelp mineral note underpinning. For a site purchased prizing grenache, this is a
revelation." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)
James Suckling – Vivid aromas of crushed blackberries, cloves, iodine and dried kelp, lifted by a potpourri of purple flowers. Dense, compact and detailed, with tannic precision. This is a full-bodied wine, yet it is the intricacy of the structure that draw me back to the glass. Long, beautiful and destined for excellent drinking across the mid-term.
Huon Hooke – Very complex Rhône-ish meaty/spicy bouquet of formidable charm and detail. Theres a nicely judged touch of reduction in there, and the wine is fleshy and sumptuous on the palate, smooth textured and glossy, with a lingering aftertaste packed with supple, polished tannins that are in effortless support. An outstanding shiraz. The tannins are formidable and sneaky—they will ensure a long aging career. A stonking McLaren Vale regional shiraz.
James Halliday – "The second release of the MMAD Vineyard label, and off its 1939 planted Blewitt Springs vineyard. About 15% whole bunches, fermented in wood and steel, maturation in concrete and large old French oak. Unlike the 2022 shiraz, this takes time to emerge from the glass. It’s all there, though. There’s a brooding quality at present, with nori, iodine and ferrous notes filtering up through dark red cherry, plum, raspberry and sultry florals. Some spicy, musky characters emerge with air. Tannin is a meaningful factor, a pleasingly natural grape-derived affair, rugged but never rustic. A seriously compelling wine, and further proof of how thrilling McLaren Vale grenache is right now, for both its quality and the unparalleled diversity in top-flight expressions." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)
Huon Hooke – Deep, bright red-purple colour with dominant nutmeg-spice aromas, and a full-bodied, firm palate that seems tight and a little unresolved at this stage. It's firm and deep, and looks to have more to reveal if given time. Certainly the concentration and palate length are very promising. A serious grenache!
The Wine Front – Tasted this at the winery back in April, and here it is again. Good things come to those who wait, sometimes twice. Double Happiness. What I wrote back then, I’ve copied in, and elaborated on.
Asian spices, black fruits, vanilla, dark chocolate and liquorice. Full bodied, deep and savoury, an explosion of dark chocolate, black olive and soy, toasty oak in support, dense ferrous tannin, running to toothsome 85% dark chocolate on a very long finish. Big. Balanced. Beautiful. I’d roll down this Hillside any day.
The Wine Front – "Pleasing symmetry between price and vine age. This 2017 is made from 125 year old vines. 746 dozen is the total production. I’d have Block 6 in my list of the greatest Australian Shiraz. I’ll offer that 2017 was a curious vintage for McLaren Vale reds, they’re a bit different, but high quality all the same.
It’s just above medium bodied, but feels dense and compact in tannin. Blackberry, aniseed, subtle toasty oak, sage and floral perfume. It has what you might call a ‘coolness’ to it, distinct umami flavour also laden with spice. That usual ironstone and crushed rock sort of character you may find in Block 6 is there too. Finish is long, and the tannin brings it home. Wonderful character and vinous integrity. It’s a little different, yet typical."
95+ Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, October 2019, Drink: 2022 - 2038+
The Wine Front – Blackberry and blueberry, spice and aniseed, a lick of vanilla. Full bodied, but kind of smooth with it, dark chocolate and black olives, balanced acidity, and deep fleshy tannin rolling onto the finish. Richness of fruit, grounded by the earthiness of Kay’s. It’s entirely convincing, and good.
James Halliday – "An incredibly dense and luxuriant palate grabs all the attention; how this has been achieved with 14% alcohol is anyone's guess, but I'm not disposed to argue, because the outcome is a totally serendipitous, supple, full-bodied shiraz replete with dark Swiss chocolate wrapped around luscious black fruits." Halliday Wine Companion '16
The Wine Front – This hits it right on with its combination of easy drinking appeal and just-firm-enough structure. Raspberry and roses, hazelnut and mint, maybe a bit of new leather. Fine balance, gentle scratch of tannin, succulent red fruit and jelly flavour, yet savoury nutty complexity too. Finish is fresh and long. Warm climate Pinot, for sure. It’s a beauty.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Pale to medium ruby/purple, the Basket Pressed Grenache has intense, red currant jelly, cranberry sauce and raspberry coulis aromas with hints of Rosés, pepper and orange peel. Full-bodied, soft, rich and seductive, it finishes long and pure.
The Wine Front – Grown mostly on the Rayner vineyard in McLaren Vale. 43 year old grenache vines; 65 year old shiraz vines; mataro from nearby. Some whole bunches, mostly with the mataro. All old oak. Bottled unfined/unfiltered. Another fantastic release from Bondar. Just the right mix of structure, flavour and interest. This is a savoury, sinewy wine first and foremost though flavours of graphite, woodsmoke, black cherry and fennel mean that there’s plenty else going on. Those strains of spicy tannin though; those fistfuls of smoked twigs and spices; they really set the scene. It twirls and twists through the mouth like it’s mapping out genes. A light-but-exquisite red wine. 93 points, Campbell Mattinson, winefront.com.au
$29.22$30.68
or $27.76 in any mix of 12 bottles.
Filters (1)
Filters Loading...
McLaren Vale, with its picturesque landscapes and temperate climate, has long been recognized as one of Australia's premier wine-producing regions. The marriage of coastal breezes and fertile soils has given birth to wines that beautifully express the land from which they hail. Nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St Vincent, the region boasts a Mediterranean climate that fosters the growth of a diverse range of grape varieties. Beyond the well-loved Shiraz, McLaren Vale is home to an array of varietals, from the deeply aromatic Grenache to the crisp and refreshing Chardonnay. The region's commitment to sustainable viticulture further enhances its reputation, ensuring that the natural beauty and quality of McLaren Vale wines are preserved for future generations. This dedication to the craft, combined with the unique terroir, ensures that wines from this region continue to be celebrated on the global stage.
McLaren Vale is an esteemed wine-producing region located in South Australia, a short drive from the bustling city of Adelaide. It stretches between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the waters of the Gulf St Vincent, offering picturesque vistas of vine-covered rolling hills juxtaposed with the azure ocean. The proximity to the sea brings a temperate maritime climate, making it perfect for viticulture. This region is easily accessible for wine aficionados looking to explore its many renowned vineyards and cellar doors.
Indeed, wines from McLaren Vale are highly regarded in the international wine community, often praised for their complexity, richness, and character. The region has successfully merged traditional winemaking practices with innovative techniques, resulting in top-notch wines that cater to a wide range of palates. When it comes to affordability, McLaren Vale offers a spectrum. While there are premium bottles that fetch higher prices due to their excellence and rarity, numerous quality wines are available at reasonable price points, ensuring that wine enthusiasts can enjoy the flavors of McLaren Vale regardless of budget.
McLaren Vale's distinctiveness lies in its harmonious blend of climate, soil, and passionate winemaking. The Mediterranean climate, influenced by both the mountains and the sea, ensures consistent rainfall and moderated temperatures – a haven for grape cultivation. The region's diverse soils, ranging from red-brown earth to sandy loam, give the wines unique characteristics. Moreover, McLaren Vale's commitment to sustainable and organic viticulture practices highlights its dedication to quality and environmental responsibility, further enhancing its unique place in the wine world.
McLaren Vale is most renowned for its robust and flavorful Shiraz. The region's Shiraz stands out for its deep color, rich fruit flavors, and hints of chocolate and spice. While Shiraz might be the poster child, the area also produces exceptional Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, each carrying the unmistakable stamp of McLaren Vale terroir.
Determining the "best" wines is subjective, as individual preferences play a pivotal role. However, some consistently acclaimed wines originate from McLaren Vale. The region's Shiraz, with its full-bodied texture, opulent fruit notes, and velvety tannins, often tops the list. Premium labels and single vineyard offerings from esteemed wineries such as d'Arenberg, Wirra Wirra, and Coriole often receive accolades. Additionally, the Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon from this region, known for their complexity and depth, are also sought after by connoisseurs worldwide.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.