Ministry of Clouds Shiraz 2022

Ministry of Clouds Shiraz 2022

 

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Ministry of Clouds
Shiraz 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : McLaren Vale
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,3°
  • Grappes : 100% Syrah

The Ministry of Clouds Shiraz is a fresh, vibrant expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz, blending structure with finesse.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 93 2022
RP Robert Parker 95 2021
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

This Shiraz is sourced from McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s oldest and geologically diverse wine regions, specifically from two distinctive vineyard sites. The Blewitt Springs site is a dry-grown vineyard with deep sandy soils, contributing finesse and brightness to the blend, while the Onkaparinga Rocks vineyard offers more structured fruit with mineral complexity from its shallow, ancient bedrock. This combination results in a wine that captures both the elegance and intensity of McLaren Vale Shiraz.

The vintage in McLaren Vale was relatively cool, allowing for a slow and steady development of flavors. Each vineyard parcel was hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring balanced acidity and vibrant fruit. This careful vineyard selection and management allow the Ministry of Clouds Shiraz to express McLaren Vale’s unique terroir, combining a ripe fruit profile with refreshing minerality.

Winemaking

The Ministry of Clouds Shiraz is crafted using 100% Shiraz, with approximately 17% whole bunches retained for added structure and complexity. The remaining grapes were gently destemmed to preserve whole berries, which enhances balance. A total of 12 separate wild ferments were conducted, with daily cap management to monitor flavor and color extraction. For some parcels, extended maceration on skins—up to six weeks—was employed to build tannic depth and complexity.

After gentle basket pressing, the wine was matured for 6 months in a mix of French oak hogsheads, puncheons, demi-muids, foudres, and a concrete egg, adding subtle creaminess and texture while preserving the wine’s fruit purity. This meticulous approach in winemaking highlights the structure and nuanced character of Shiraz, creating a balanced wine that is both fleshy and mineral-driven.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with purple reflections.
  • Aroma: Aromas of cool blue and red fruits, layered with hints of coal dust, earth, and a delicate creaminess from oak.
  • Palate: Full and rounded, with a bright, nervy acidity. Deep fruit weight combines with fine, mineral-laden tannins, leading to a long, balanced finish that’s both rich and elegant.

Did You Know?

McLaren Vale is among the world’s most ancient wine regions in terms of geology. The diverse soils in this region provide unique characteristics to the Shiraz, as seen in the Ministry of Clouds Shiraz. This Shiraz is crafted to reflect a modern and slender style, capturing both tradition and innovation in the winemaking process.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Catalan fish stew with grilled rye and aioli: The wine’s minerality and fresh acidity balance the rich flavors of the stew.
  • Grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic: Complements the deep fruit and tannic structure of the wine.
  • Mushroom risotto with truffle oil: The earthy profile of the wine pairs well with the umami richness of mushrooms.
  • Aged cheddar or Manchego: The wine’s fruit and mineral notes enhance the complexity of these cheeses.

History of Ministry of Clouds

Ministry of Clouds was founded in 2012 by Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood with a singular purpose: to create wines designed with gastronomy in mind. This venture was born from their shared desire to live a life immersed in wine—to be their own distinct voice in a bustling industry. After years spent working for others, they sought the freedom to focus on varieties and vineyards they truly loved, savoring the independence to experiment, take risks, and fuel the passion that drives them.

Their love for wine began long before their journey into viticulture and winemaking. Both began their careers with Australia’s finest importers of rare and fine old-world wines, gaining profound exposure to the best of Burgundy, Piedmont, the Rhône, and beyond. Building on this foundation, they transitioned to working for renowned family-owned wineries in McLaren Vale, amassing a combined 16 years of experience. This period allowed them to connect with growers, explore vineyards, observe the seasons’ nuances, and, most importantly, taste extensively across McLaren Vale.

These years taught them the dedication and sheer resolve needed to identify and cultivate exceptional vineyards, to shepherd the resulting fruit through fermentation and aging, and to find partners worldwide willing to share these stories. It was during this journey that they realized that if they wanted to continue in the world of wine, they needed to work for themselves and create their own wines.

Thus, Ministry of Clouds was born. The name symbolizes the illusion of control in winemaking. For these two perfectionists working with nature, it serves as a comforting reminder that the magic of winemaking relies as much on the arbitrary and unpredictable as it does on their intent and precision. They govern what they can; the rest is left to chance. Perhaps that’s simply life itself…

Region and Vineyards

Based in McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds has access to some of Australia’s most diverse and ancient terroirs. McLaren Vale itself, with its warm, Mediterranean climate and complex geological composition, provides ideal conditions for growing Shiraz and Grenache. The Ministry of Clouds team prioritizes sustainable vineyard practices across its sites, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to enhance soil health and vine resilience.

Ministry of Clouds owns the Chase Vineyard, an 11-hectare plot situated on the dramatic slopes of the Onkaparinga Gorge. This vineyard, established on rock formations dating back over 650 million years, is planted on Maslin Sand and Ironstone soils that create a low-yield environment, concentrating flavors in the fruit. Perched at around 200 meters in elevation, the vineyard’s location exposes it to cooling breezes, which helps maintain acidity and adds to the aromatic intensity of the wines. This unique combination of soil, altitude, and climate results in wines with structure, freshness, and a deep sense of place.

In addition to McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds sources fruit from carefully selected, sustainably managed sites in the Clare Valley and Tasmania. The Clare Valley vineyards, known for their limestone-rich soils, produce vibrant Riesling with high acidity and minerality. Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards offer a distinctive style of Chardonnay, with brightness and precision that contrast with McLaren Vale’s fuller-bodied reds. This commitment to sourcing from diverse regions across Australia enables Ministry of Clouds to create a nuanced portfolio, each wine reflecting the character of its origin.

Wine Range of Ministry of Clouds

The Ministry of Clouds portfolio showcases key varietals that highlight Australia’s regional diversity, including:

  • Ministry of Clouds Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz: Showcased in both single-vineyard expressions from Blewitt Springs and Onkaparinga Rocks, with each bottling representing the terroir of McLaren Vale.
  • Ministry of Clouds Grenache: Known for its delicate red fruit, fine tannins, and aromatic layers, sourced from old vines in McLaren Vale.
  • Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay: Sourced primarily from Tasmania, bringing a fresh, cool-climate elegance and minerality to the portfolio.
  • Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling: From Clare Valley, characterized by vibrant acidity, purity, and intense mineral notes.
  • Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi: A unique blend inspired by the Japanese art of “golden joinery,” where each varietal component is thoughtfully integrated to create harmony and complexity.

Did You Know?

The name "Ministry of Clouds" symbolizes the founders’ philosophy of embracing both old and new winemaking approaches, grounded in tradition yet open to innovation. The winery is committed to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification for all its vineyards, underscoring their dedication to environmental responsibility and the long-term health of the land.

History of Ministry of Clouds

Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood founded Ministry of Clouds after years of working in Australia’s wine industry, where they developed a shared passion for crafting wines that honor the land and the nuances of each site. Their journey was fueled by a desire for independence and creativity, culminating in the establishment of Ministry of Clouds, a winery devoted to small-batch production and sustainable practices. Their aim has been to blend traditional winemaking with a forward-thinking philosophy, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and respect for nature.

Bernice and Julian left established careers at iconic wine estates to follow this vision, adopting an approach that balances precision with restraint. Their work is rooted in sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking, inspired by their belief that great wines require minimal influence in the cellar. Ministry of Clouds has rapidly gained a reputation for the clarity and expressiveness of its wines, capturing the essence of each vineyard. They are committed to creating wines that resonate both with wine enthusiasts and with the land itself, respecting the unique stories and histories that each vintage brings.

Region and Vineyards

Based in McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds has access to some of Australia’s most diverse and ancient terroirs. McLaren Vale itself, with its warm, Mediterranean climate and complex geological composition, provides ideal conditions for growing Shiraz and Grenache. The Ministry of Clouds team prioritizes sustainable vineyard practices across its sites, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to enhance soil health and vine resilience.

Ministry of Clouds owns the Chase Vineyard, an 11-hectare plot situated on the dramatic slopes of the Onkaparinga Gorge. This vineyard, established on rock formations dating back over 650 million years, is planted on Maslin Sand and Ironstone soils that create a low-yield environment, concentrating flavors in the fruit. Perched at around 200 meters in elevation, the vineyard’s location exposes it to cooling breezes, which helps maintain acidity and adds to the aromatic intensity of the wines. This unique combination of soil, altitude, and climate results in wines with structure, freshness, and a deep sense of place.

In addition to McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds sources fruit from carefully selected, sustainably managed sites in the Clare Valley and Tasmania. The Clare Valley vineyards, known for their limestone-rich soils, produce vibrant Riesling with high acidity and minerality. Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards offer a distinctive style of Chardonnay, with brightness and precision that contrast with McLaren Vale’s fuller-bodied reds. This commitment to sourcing from diverse regions across Australia enables Ministry of Clouds to create a nuanced portfolio, each wine reflecting the character of its origin.

Wine Range of Ministry of Clouds

The Ministry of Clouds portfolio showcases key varietals that highlight Australia’s regional diversity, including:

  • Shiraz: Showcased in both single-vineyard expressions from Blewitt Springs and Onkaparinga Rocks, with each bottling representing the terroir of McLaren Vale.
  • Grenache: Known for its delicate red fruit, fine tannins, and aromatic layers, sourced from old vines in McLaren Vale.
  • Chardonnay: Sourced primarily from Tasmania, bringing a fresh, cool-climate elegance and minerality to the portfolio.
  • Riesling: From Clare Valley, characterized by vibrant acidity, purity, and intense mineral notes.
  • Kintsugi: A unique blend inspired by the Japanese art of “golden joinery,” where each varietal component is thoughtfully integrated to create harmony and complexity.

Did You Know?

The name "Ministry of Clouds" symbolizes the founders’ philosophy of embracing both old and new winemaking approaches, grounded in tradition yet open to innovation. The winery is committed to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification for all its vineyards, underscoring their dedication to environmental responsibility and the long-term health of the land.

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2022)
Clove, star anise, mace, blueberry and smoked charcuterie kick off proceedings. The tannins roll across the mouth with a signature of peppery refinement, nicely astringent. The whole-bunch element, used to good effect. This is a classy, fuller expression of shiraz, with all efforts made to rein in any excess. The result is mid-weighted of feel and immensely savory. A long, jittery finish. (9/2023)

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2021)
The 2021 Shiraz is essentially an exercise in rock and sand. The fruit was harvested from multiple vineyard sites and blocks in Seaview and Blewitt Springs. The handpicked portion was fully destemmed and fermented with whole berries, while the rest (approximately half of the blend) was fermented as mostly whole bunches. The fruit can spend up to five weeks on the skins before being matured in large-format oak foudre (one 3,000-liter and two smaller 500-liter foudres). This is very fine. The fruit is concentrated but not heavy, and the savory slip of tannin cascades through the mouth. It is well-balanced. This is exciting. There is a seamless integration of tannin and fruit. Smart plus.

Ministry of Clouds Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds
Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
RP
97
Produced from old vines planted in 1960, this Shiraz highlights a deep blue-fruit profile, laced with aromatic complexity and framed by fine tannins.
55,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds
Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz 2020
RP
97
Sourced from the steeply sloped Chase Vineyard in the Onkaparinga Gorge, this Shiraz captures both power and finesse, with intense fruit flavors layered over a mineral-driven structure.
55,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi 2018
Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi 2018
Ministry of Clouds
Kintsugi 2018
RP
97
Crafted with the concept of “Kintsugi,” this wine represents the beauty of blending select parcels from each vintage, creating a layered and harmonious expression.
75,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling 2021
Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling 2021
Ministry of Clouds
Clare Valley Riesling 2021
RP
94
Crafted from carefully selected vineyard sites in Watervale, Penwortham, and Sevenhill, this wine reflects a cool vintage, resulting in a fresh, crisp profile with intense minerality and acidity.
26,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay 2021
Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay 2021
Ministry of Clouds
Tasmania Chardonnay 2021
RP
96
JH
94
JS
93
The Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay is a pure, tightly structured expression of Tasmanian Chardonnay, celebrated for its vibrant acidity and minerality.
39,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
26,50 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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