MMAD Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc, McLaren Vale, 2023, 75cL White WineBy Winebuyers

MMAD is a remarkable wine project born from the combined vision of four respected names in Australian wine: Shaw + Smith's Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, Tolpuddle's Adam Wadewitz, and David LeMire MW. The name MMAD represents their initials, but also hints at the slightly 'mad' ambition behind the venture. In 2021, they acquired a 15-hectare vineyard in Blewitt Springs, one of the most prized subregions of McLaren Vale, South Australia. The site features dry-grown bush vines, with some plantings of Grenache and Shiraz dating back to 1939 and 1942 respectively, and Chenin Blanc from the 1960s, making it a rare and precious piece of viticultural heritage. MMAD's goal is to honour these old vines through sensitive farming and restrained winemaking that highlights the energy and texture of the site. Their wines are characterful, site-expressive, and already establishing a cult following for their focus, freshness and depth, particularly the MMAD Grenache, Shiraz and Chenin Blanc.