While many might think of McLaren Vale Shiraz as bold and brawny, the 2023 Ministry of Clouds Shiraz is a study in the more perfumed, subtle side of Syrah. This wine leans on the blue and black end of the fruit spectrum with gorgeous wild blueberry and blackberry preserve swirling together along with iris, violet and a spicy black licorice note. A blend of fruit picked on the earlier side from the Onkaparinga Rocks estate vineyard, as well as a sandy vineyard site in Blewitt Springs, the wine was fermented in 18 small lots, with approximately 18% whole cluster, all either hand-plunged or pumped over during fermentation for a gentle extraction. Total time on skins was 4-5 weeks; however, a single lot was extended to 25 weeks. After pressing, the wine was matured for 7 months in a combination of large, neutral French oak vessels and a concrete egg. The result is a delicately aromatic style of Shiraz, with a nimble, lacy texture on the palate and bright, super fresh acidity. Many wine drinkers might be surprised to know that McLaren Vale — or anywhere in South Australia — can produce Shiraz this graceful and lean. Ministry of Clouds have a stated goal of creating gasrtronomic wines that don’t overwhelm the palate or the food on the table, and this one knocks it out of park. Try this one with Spring lamb or even a charcuterie board. The subtle spiciness of the wine and floral aromatics would be wonderful with cured meats.

This is such a pretty style of Shiraz, really much more light a cooler weather Syrah, it's the kind of Shiraz I want to drink if somehow required by social decorum. This is so incredibly aromatic and floral, lots of purple and even some white flowers are part of the whole thing, which while a lot is never overwhelming or verging towards potpourri. Dusky black fruits, lighter red fruits, and a definite touch of something blue mixed it all layer underneath the floral top notes. The palate is everything the nose promised that it was, there's a heavy floral tone on the palate but also a mix between deeper and very ripe black berry and black cherry, and some slightly underripe raspberry, with just a touch of pomegranate. There's a little bit of a study in contrasts, but also restraint. This is really sublime, and something I could see myself just grabbing when I wasn't sure what else I would want, it's that pretty. I really want to have this with some pork chops, or maybe just as part of a set of wines along with some passed appetizers. Either way, at this price, you're winning no matter what you pair it with.