Ministry of Clouds

McLaren Vale, South Australia

SUSTAINABLE - MINIMAL INTERVENTION - VEGAN

Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood certainly don’t lack for personality, charisma or passion and their Ministry of Clouds wines

are an absolute representation of all that they exude.

McLaren Vale has always surprised me by its diversity. Geographically it offers countless micro climates through elevation and exposure, Geologically it is blessed with some of the most ancient and complex soil structures in the world dating back 1.6 billion years, Viticulturally it boasts some the country’s oldest vines and newest varietals and with regard to winemaking you have the complete cross section of ‘Old School’ and ‘New School’ vignerons. It is a truly mind blowing region, and in order to create great wines of ‘The Vale’ you must know the ins and outs of all of these elements.

After a shared thirty years in the Industry, the greater portion of which has been spent in the Vale with the likes of Wirra Wirra and Woodstock, Bernice and Julian have developed an understanding of what it takes to create truly excellent McLaren Vale wine and how the aforementioned elements can come together. What’s more is that their respect for the region means they are intent on undertaking this without having a negative environmental impact on the Vale itself.

It is widely regarded that the most balanced, fragrant, and complex wines produced in the Vale come from the old rocks of Seaview, the deep sandy soils of Blewitt Springs, and the siltstone + gravel of the Clarendon hills. With a firm belief that the great wines of the world reflect their origins, the pair have searched out distinguished sites to forth basis for the wines they make. These include an elevated 86 year old bush vine Grenache vineyard in the heart of Blewitt Springs, dry grown Grenache from Bernard Smart’s famed 1920’s plantings at Clarendon, a 70 plus year old south-facing Blewitt Springs Shiraz block, the low yielding dry grown Shiraz vineyard planted in 1960 by the Patritti family and the bio-dynamically managed Hickinbotham vineyard in the cool climes of Clarendon. Most recently, Bernice and Julian have purchased 11 hectares in Seaview planted into ancient rock, a vineyard which is the past recipient of the Single Vineyard Trophy at the McLaren Vale Wine Show.

When it comes to winemaking the pair aren’t afraid to get in and get their hands dirty. With an emphasis on early picking by hand, whole-berrry and whole-bunch ferments, relatively lengthy time on skins, and an oak regime that favours old and large vessels, the reds are fermented at Geddes winery in Blewitt Springs. Preferring delicacy and purity in their whites, Bernice and Julian travel to the Clare Valley and Tasmania to avoid transporting their white fruit. Without formal winemaking training the wines are made simply and thoughtfully by the pair, but they are not too proud to ask help and advice of those around them.

Undeniable in their provenance while evidencing progressive viticulture and winemaking, Ministry of Clouds’ wines are well

worth watching as they become what can only be considered as new world classics.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS SHIRAZ - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

After a painful number of vintages with even more painful yields, we have continued to work hard to supplement our historical vineyard partners in 2022. This vintage comprises about 90% grapes from the
terrarossa/ red loam laid over limestone of the renowned Watervale subregion often referred to as “The Golden Mile”, with picking times staggered to retain natural acidity. The balance is sourced from the lean, hungry and rocky soils characteristic of the cooler and later ripening hills of Penwortham.

From the second consecutive La Nina we enjoyed another cool growing season, with flavour developing slowly over time making for a welcome change from recent vintages, producing a distinctly delicate but intense character. Low Baumes, coupled with healthy natural acids led to lifted and fine floral notes, lavender and lime leaf, grapefruit pith, bath salts, and underlying talc. Classic Clare citrus notes are complimented by the mouthwatering chalky and mineral texture on the palate, finishing with a fine and taut acid line.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS ROSE – MCLAREN VALE, SA

A blend of mature Mataro planted deep into loam to provide texture and savoury tannins, with Cinsault off our own The Chase Vineyard sitting on top of the Onkaparinga Rocks for fragrance and lift. Both parcels were whole bunch pressed lightly to retain only the most delicate aromatics, settled upon its own lees to build mid texture, then fermented to dryness before blending together. On the drier end of the spectrum, a deliberately delicate and aromatic expression of strawberries, apples, guava and pomegranate. The palate is long, dry and intense, with tangy raspberry fruit, a lick of amaro bitters, and a little tannin to provide the whip-tale of necessary refreshment..

2023 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS RIESLING - CLARE VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

‘From the third consecutive La Nina vintage we enjoyed another cool growing season, with flavour developing slowly over time, but with the chance of disease higher than previously, time walking vineyards was essential! The 2023 vintage comprises about 93% grapes from the terrarossa/ red loam laid over limestone of the renowned Watervale subregion often referred to as “The Golden Mile”, with picking times staggered to retain natural acidity. The balance is sourced from the lean, hungry and rocky soils characteristic of the cooler and later ripening hills of Penwortham.

2023 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS PICPOUL - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA - LIMITED

The fruit for this wine is 100% estate grown, from a block situated directly in front of the winery and planted into the ancient Onkaparinga Rocks of our vineyard – The Chase. Perched high atop the range overlooking McLaren Vale our lean and rocky site is perfect for limiting Picpoul’s potential yield. To provide further intensity we both shoot thinned and dropped bunches to ensure perfectly even ripening, then hand picked to retain delicacy. Whole bunch pressed
, settled by gravity, and rough racked to stainless for a cool ferment on
light solids with wild yeast. Post ferment the wine was left on lees for a further 4 months to build mid palate texture and depth.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS CHARDONNAY - ADELAIDE HILLS, SA

Taste of freedom…

Without having the luxury (or limitation!) of a pre-ordained family history in wine, we relish the freedom and opportunity to cast our net a little wider from our home in McLaren Vale, hoping to capture the freshness and vibrancy of the cool Adelaide Hills…

Composition
A pure and tightly wound wine showing the muscle and intensity of the low yielding Birdwood site, and the fragile acid line synonymous with fine, late ripening and deeply cool Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay. A shy and somewhat restrained nose exuding white flowers, green nectarine characters, and subtle hints of nougat and gingery wood spice. On the palate, a bedrock of chalky minerality supports a core of intense stone fruit, framing its lingering acidity.

Consumption
Ideal serving temperature is 12°C, and we love this wine with a simple chicken with 40 cloves of garlic, duck fat roast dutch cream potatoes and steamed baby green beans. Drink up to 8 years for a more complex expression.

2020 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS ‘KINTSUGI’ GRENACHE MATARO SHRIAZ - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

An elegant, but darkly hued wine, showing aromatic floral red fruit lift, cardamom, and five spice from old vine Grenache, built upon the intense blue fruits and violets of dry grown Mataro and Shiraz. Layered and long this wine exhibits a tightly wound core of dense red berried crunchy fruit, framed by persistent sandy tannins, and bright acidity.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS TEMPRANILLO GRENACHE - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

This wine combines lifted notes of pomegranate, sarsaparilla, violets and nutmeg typical of McLaren Vale Tempranillo, with the red berried perfume and succulence of old vine Grenache. This medium bodied wine is pretty, but deeply flavoured, and deliberately moreish. A lithe and juicy wine, it errs on the blood orange, cherry, red berry spectrum on the palate supported by a long line of ferrous tannin.

2024 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS PICPOUL - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA - NEW VINTAGE

A crisp and refreshing white wine that beautifully highlights the zesty nature of Picpoul. The nose is vibrant, with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, complemented by hints of saline and fresh herbs. On the palate, it is light-bodied with bright acidity, showcasing flavors of citrus, lime, and a subtle mineral edge. The finish is clean, brisk, and invigorating, making it an excellent match for oysters, fresh seafood, or summer salads. Perfect for warm days and alfresco dining.

2024 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS ’GG’ - ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A refined and crisp white that captures the cool-climate elegance of the Adelaide Hills. The nose is complex, with aromas of citrus fruits like grapefruit and lime, intertwined with delicate floral notes and a hint of crushed stones. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and flavors of lemon sherbet, green apple, and a touch of minerality. The wine’s fresh, clean finish is perfectly balanced, offering a refreshing and zesty profile. Ideal for pairing with seafood, goat cheese, or fresh spring dishes.

2021 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS PINOT NOIR- ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A delicate and nuanced Pinot Noir showcasing the cool-climate character of the Adelaide Hills. The nose is elegant, with aromas of fresh red berries such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by hints of earthy spice, forest floor, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with soft tannins and bright acidity, delivering flavors of red plum, cranberry, and a touch of sweet baking spice. The finish is silky and refined, with a lingering berry freshness. Perfect for pairing with roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, or a soft cheese platter.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS SILK AND STONE GRENACHE - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A beautifully textured Grenache that captures the essence of McLaren Vale’s rich terroir. The nose is complex and alluring, with aromas of ripe red berries, black cherry, and plum, complemented by hints of warm spice, lavender, and a touch of minerality. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and balanced acidity, delivering flavors of juicy raspberry, dark cherry, and subtle hints of pepper and dried herbs. The finish is silky and long, with a touch of oak adding depth. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, lamb, or hearty Mediterranean dishes.