Product Description:
The 2023 Ministry of Clouds McLaren Vale Shiraz is an exquisite representation of the diverse terroir of McLaren Vale, one of the world’s most ancient and geologically rich wine regions. This Shiraz combines fruit from two distinct vineyard sites: a deep sandy vineyard in Blewitt Springs and a younger, more structured parcel from Onkaparinga Rocks. Together, they create a wine that reflects both the region’s history and its modern expression.
The 2023 vintage benefits from the cooler conditions brought on by the La Niña weather system, allowing for gradual flavour development. This Shiraz showcases cool blue and red fruits, layered with coal dust and subtle oak creaminess. On the palate, the wine reveals deep fruit weight, kept fresh and bright with nervy acidity and structured by fine, mineral tannins. Aged in a combination of oak barrels and concrete, this wine combines complexity, freshness, and elegance, with the promise of further development with age.
Maker:
Ministry of Clouds was founded in 2012 by Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood with a shared vision: to create wines that speak to their passion for both gastronomy and winemaking. Their journey began in the world of wine importation, where they immersed themselves in the best of Burgundy, Piedmont, the Rhône, and beyond. With years of experience in the McLaren Vale wine region, they developed a deep connection with the vineyards, observing the changing seasons and tasting from local growers.
At Ministry of Clouds, they have embraced a philosophy of producing wines that are sustainable and elegant, drawing on their backgrounds and respect for the old-world traditions. Their approach to winemaking is rooted in hands-on techniques, with an emphasis on purity and expression. The goal is to highlight the distinctiveness of each vineyard and vintage, using traditional methods and innovative practices to craft wines that are both contemporary and classic.
Philosophy:
At Ministry of Clouds, the philosophy is centered around the balance between control and nature. Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood believe that great wines are made from both intention and the unpredictable magic of nature. Their approach combines careful vineyard management and winemaking precision with the understanding that, in the end, wine is an expression of both the land and the elements beyond our control.
Their own 11-hectare vineyard, The Chase, sits atop the rugged Onkaparinga Gorge in the Seaview subregion of McLaren Vale, where the vines are exposed to the unique terroir of ancient bedrock and fragile soils. The team at Ministry of Clouds practices sustainable farming and values hand-picking, careful pruning, and the use of wild fermentation to preserve the purity of the fruit. By embracing both traditional and modern winemaking methods, they aim to craft wines that are fresh, complex, and expressive of their origins.
Tasting Notes:
NOSE
Blue Fruits, Coal Dust, Oak
The nose opens with vibrant blue fruits like blackberries and plums, balanced by earthy coal dust and subtle hints of oak. There’s a pleasing complexity that invites further exploration, with nuances of chocolate and a touch of spice emerging with time.
PALATE
Rich, Bright, Nervy
The palate showcases deep fruit weight, with rich flavours of black cherry, plum, and hints of chocolate. The wine is kept fresh with a bright acidity, while the tannins are fine and mineral, providing a nervy structure that enhances the overall balance and elegance of the wine.
FINISH
Long, Mineral, Balanced
The finish is long and satisfying, with a mineral backbone that provides a clean, crisp conclusion. The subtle oak and spice notes linger, ensuring a complex and memorable aftertaste.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Value, South Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
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