MINISTRY OF CLOUDS GRENACHE 2024 - red

Style: Spicy & Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood say, The name Ministry of Clouds symbolises the relinquishing of our past security and structure (ministry) for the beguiling freedom, independence and adventure (clouds) inherent in our own venture. I doubt whether there are two partners in a new wine business with such extraordinary depth in sales and marketing of wine, stretching back well over 20 years. Trying to pick out highlights is futile, simply because there are so many of them. They bypassed owning vineyards or building wineries, instead headhunting key winemakers in the Clare Valley and Tasmania for riesling and chardonnay respectively,and the assistance of Tim Geddes at his winery in McLaren Vale, where they make the red wines in conjunction with Tim. JAMES HALLIDAYSPECIAL VALUE Four bush-vine vineyards in Blewitt Springs, planted in 1930, ’39, ’40 and ’52 make up 49% of the blend, with the ’22-planted Smart vineyard in Clarendon the balance. A range of ferments, with 37% whole bunch in the final wine and up to six weeks on skins. Pale, pretty, savoury, complex. There’s such detail in the wines at this address, so synergistically aligned with fruit and site reflections. Wild cherry, rose oil, white pepper, blood orange, souk spices, rhubarb. There’s much thought to layers, both of flavour and texture in this mid-weight wine. It’s a fine example of why intensity has nothing to do with weight. There’s exceptional drinking to be had here. (95) MARCUS ELLIS, Halliday Wine CompanionRed cherry, raspberry, almond, rosy, rosemary, spice, pear drops. Medium-bodied, red fruit, almond and spice, a fine emery grip to tannin, a certain succulence here, though it keeps itself neat, with a cool finish of excellent length. A lovely wine of style and charm. (95) GARY WALSH, The Wine FrontLight, bright purple-red colour with a lifted fragrance of red cherry and spices, touches of raspberry and red licorice. Fine silty tannins are gentle and harmonious. A delicious lighter style grenache that drinks superbly now. Fragrant, high-energy wine. (All Blewitt Springs & Clarendon fruit. Gold medal and guest judge's trophy, 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show) HUON HOOKE, The Real ReviewRegion: McLaren Vale, SOUTH AUSTRALIAVariety: GrenacheABV: 14%Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424 *We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.