MMAD Grenache 2023 from MMAD Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, is a floral, sultry old–vine grenache that oozes energy, red fruit and fine sandy tannin rather than sheer heft. Fruit comes from dry–grown bush vines planted in 1939 on Maslin sand over ironstone, mostly destemmed and fermented in concrete and large old oak before ageing in big old French barrels.

Aromatically it’s all intense red fruits – dark raspberry, macerated strawberry, pomegranate and red cherry – wrapped in rose petal, lilac, cracked whole spice, brown spice, cocoa, coal dust and a hint of black cherry darkness. The palate is medium–bodied, vividly silky and perfectly pitched, with a ripe, flowing core of red fruits supported by sandy, gauze–like tannins, lively acidity and a long, savoury, subtly ferrous finish. It’s immediately engaging yet clearly serious, built to drink beautifully now and evolve gracefully to around 2035.

On the table, MMAD Grenache 2023 is superb with lamb cutlets, roast chicken, grilled spatchcock or charry Mediterranean veg, where its perfume, spice and gentle grip really sing. It will also shine with charcuterie, hard cheeses or a pizza night, making it one of the benchmark, modern McLaren Vale grenaches to have in the rack.