Ministry of Clouds Mencia 2023

Country: Australia
Region and Appellation: McLaren Vale

Spain's Soul in McLaren Vale

Ministry of Clouds Mencía 2023 brings the rare Spanish grape to McLaren Vale's deep sandy soils of Blewitt Springs, where winemakers Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood craft wines of poise and terroir-driven elegance. After decades in the industry, they champion minimal intervention and sustainable farming, sourcing from distinguished old-vine sites across South Australia.

Artisan Winemaking

Hand-picked with 15% whole bunches retained, the fruit was cold-soaked for three days before wild fermentation in open vats with gentle plunging twice daily. After nine days on skins, the wine was basket-pressed to old French oak for 12 months of aging.

Lifted Aromatics & Mineral Power

Deeply purple in color, this red wine offers lifted floral aromatics of sour cherry, pomegranate, violet, black licorice, and crushed rocks. The palate is mid-weight yet layered—succulent blackcurrant and raspberry fruit built on a bedrock of mineral-laced tannins with peppery spice and textural depth.

James Halliday awarded 95 points, while critics praise its "sapid, fresh" profile with "bing cherry, clove, mint, and dried seaweed".

Mencia

Dry

750mL