Ministry of Clouds is the creation of Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood and it’s just on a decade since they decided to leave the security of the corporate wine world (the ministry) for the adventure (the clouds) of their own wine venture. And it’s been quite a journey thus far.

From the 2012 vintage their first five releases all rated between 94 and 97 points in the Halliday Wine Companion and earned them a spot in the Top Ten New Wineries for the year. Basing themselves in McLaren Vale, they sourced red fruit from around the Vale, securing parcels from some of the most venerable and sought-after old-vine Shiraz and Grenache vineyards.

Born of one of the most ancient and geologically diverse wine regions in the world, McLaren Vale, this wine is made from Australia’s most ubiquitous grape – Shiraz. With the aim that this Shiraz reflects Ministry of Clouds view of the region, they combine fruit from 2 Blewitt Springs deep sandy vineyards, and a younger more structured and fragrant parcel from the shallow old bedrock of our own Onkaparinga Rocks vineyard in the hope of a more modern, slender and youthful expression.

An exercise in slender power, bringing early picked McLaren Vale Shiraz characters exhibited by cool blue and red fruit with layers of coal dust and earth to entice, supported by a gentle oak creaminess, which progresses to the palate exhibiting a deep fruit weight kept bright, nervy, and fleshy and filed down nicely by a fine and mineral tannin line. - Bernice and Julian, Winemakers

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Value, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.3%