Shaw + Smith have invested in Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, South Australia, to produce three single vineyard wines under the MMAD Vineyard label.
The MMAD Vineyard partnership is named after Shaw + Smith founders, Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith, and joint CEOs, Adam Wadewitz and David LeMire.
“This is rare earth, and the old vines are a precious resource and part of our viticultural history that we are grateful to have the chance to work with,” LeMire said.
In Shaw + Smith’s commitment to new vineyards, this 18ha site has old vines, a great location farmed for quality and vine health, and the potential to make wines that reflect the site and seasons.
The MMAD Vineyard is planted to Grenache, Shiraz and Chenin Blanc. The oldest vines, Grenache and Shiraz, were planted in 1939, 1941 and 1964 respectively.
“We have been looking around the area since 2014 and thinking about that unique little part of the Vale, higher but influenced by the sea with beautiful old vines, sand and ironstone,” chief winemaker Wadewitz said.
“Originally we were drawn to the Grenache and Chenin being both old vine and interesting, but the Shiraz has been a real surprise, too.”
The 2021 MMAD Vineyard wines will be released in the second half of 2022.