The 2024 MMAD Vineyard Blewitt Springs Shiraz is a beautifully distinctive expression of old-vine McLaren Vale Shiraz, showcasing the perfume, freshness and mineral structure that have quickly established MMAD Vineyard as one of South Australia’s most exciting single-vineyard projects. The vineyard sits in the elevated Blewitt Springs district on fine Maslin sands over ironstone, with cooling south-westerly breezes from Gulf St Vincent helping preserve natural acidity and aromatic lift. The oldest Shiraz vines date back to 1941, and the vineyard is managed by the team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle, with the wines deliberately focused on expressing site rather than simply power.
The nose is expressive and beautifully perfumed, revealing aromas of blackberry, mulberry, blueberry and dark cherry, layered with violet, red florals and subtle Mediterranean herbs. As the wine opens, more savoury complexity emerges, with notes of black pepper, liquorice, dark chocolate, ironstone and earthy spice adding depth. There is a particularly attractive sense of freshness and aromatic lift, with the sandy Blewitt Springs terroir giving the wine an almost floral quality despite the considerable concentration of the old-vine fruit.
On the palate, it is full-bodied yet remarkably refined, with layers of blackberry, mulberry and dark plum supported by vibrant acidity and beautifully detailed tannins. The fruit has impressive concentration, but the wine avoids the heaviness or excessive sweetness sometimes associated with warm-climate Shiraz. Instead, the palate is driven by freshness and structure, with ironstone-derived minerality, dark chocolate, liquorice and subtle savoury spice adding complexity. The tannins are firm but finely textured, providing excellent length and definition, while the finish is long, energetic and mineral-driven, with lingering dark fruit, spice, floral notes and a distinctive savoury character. The combination of old vines, sandy soils and cooling maritime influence gives the wine an unusual balance of intensity and lightness.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, the 2024 MMAD Vineyard Blewitt Springs Shiraz is an excellent choice for customers seeking a serious Australian Shiraz with the concentration of old vines but the elegance, freshness and restraint of a more European-inspired style. MMAD is particularly compelling for collectors who want to explore the emerging fine-wine identity of Blewitt Springs, where perfume, mineral character and finesse can be just as important as power. Compared with more overtly rich and oak-driven Barossa Shiraz, this offers greater aromatic lift, savoury complexity and structural precision while still delivering plenty of depth and generosity. Drink from 2027 onwards, with the wine capable of developing beautifully through to around 2040–2045. Perfect with Wagyu, rib-eye steak, slow-roasted lamb, venison, braised beef, duck, grilled lamb chops, truffle dishes or mature hard cheeses.
