The 2023 Ministry of Clouds McLaren Vale Mencía is a vibrant and highly distinctive Australian expression of Spain’s exciting Mencía grape. Produced by Ministry of Clouds, this wine comes from The Chase vineyard on the northern boundary of McLaren Vale, where thin, ancient rocky soils naturally restrict yields and help the grapes retain freshness. Mencía is best known from Spain’s Bierzo, Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra regions, but McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate has proven particularly well suited to its combination of perfume, colour and energetic structure. The 2023 is made from 100% Mencía, with 29% whole-bunch fermentation, and was matured in older French oak to preserve the purity and character of the fruit.
The bouquet is intensely fragrant and immediately appealing, opening with aromas of sour cherry, pomegranate and raspberry, layered with violet, crushed flowers and subtle liquorice. With time in the glass, notes of dried herbs, orange peel and warm earth emerge, accompanied by a distinctive crushed-rock minerality. The whole-bunch component adds gentle floral lift and a lightly savoury edge, while the wine’s dark purple colour hints at greater concentration beneath its elegant aromatic profile.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied but intensely flavoured, with juicy blackcurrant, raspberry and dark cherry fruit carried by bright acidity and energetic, mineral-laced tannins. The texture is supple and lithe rather than heavy, giving the wine a wonderful sense of movement and freshness. Despite its 14.5% alcohol, the 2023 remains balanced and remarkably moreish, with the fruit framed by subtle savoury complexity and a long, finely structured finish. It combines the perfume and freshness associated with northern Spanish Mencía with the generosity and ripeness of McLaren Vale.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, the 2023 Ministry of Clouds McLaren Vale Mencía is an excellent choice for customers looking to explore something beyond traditional Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. Compared with McLaren Vale Shiraz, it is more floral, brighter and lighter on its feet, with greater emphasis on red and black berry perfume, acidity and mineral tannin. It offers a fascinating Australian alternative to Pinot Noir for drinkers who enjoy aromatic elegance but want slightly more colour, structure and savoury depth.
