Of interest also is the foundation of Munda wines which marks a fresh step forward for indigenous empowerment within the Australian wine industry. But its story is yet to unfold. Angoves, Aramis, Battle of Bosworth, Bekkers, Bec Hardy, Bondar, Nick Haselgrove, Heirloom, Hugo, Blewitt Springs Wine Co, Chapel Hill, Clarendon Hills, Coriole, d’Arenberg, Dandelion, Field Day Wine Co, Geddes, Gemtree, Hither and Yon, Hugh Hamilton, Richard Hamilton, In Praise of Shadows, Inkwell, Kay Brothers, Koomilya, Longbottom, MMAD, Maxwell, Mitolo, SC Pannell, David Paxton, Pirramimma, Two Hands, Oliver’s Taranga, Mr Riggs, Serafino, Scarpantoni, Shingleback, Thistledown, Wirra Wirra, Varney, and Yangarra are all important wine brands that offer different expressions of McLaren Vale’s vineyard landscape. Their stories, outlooks and ambitions are well reflected in their wines. While I did not taste everything for this review, the overall tasting revealed many great wines. Emerging out of the fog of COVID, McLaren Vale is poised to enjoy a new era of possibilities. The outlook is both affirmative and cautious. The acquisitions of Penny’s Hill/Black Chook brands by the Randall Wine Group and Shingleback by Endeavour Group highlight the complexities and opportunities that relate to filling the pipeline of distribution. Direct to Consumer business, through cellar door, or electronically, is an important channel that all small and medium winemakers must engage with. The consolidation of retail channels in Australia and the rise in buyers’ own brands offer new challenges and opportunities, but premiumisation starts at home. Also, many wine growers in McLaren Vale are feeling the strain from the China fallout. With luck it will be a soft landing, although the outlook is uncertain. The development of new hotels in the region, at Wirra Wirra and Seaview Road, promises renewed growth in wine tourism but also offers other challenges. Export markets are also likely to rebound over time. Also environmental awareness, social practices and governance, which includes inclusiveness and well-being, have become a priority among the wine community and this trend of sustainability promises to further the cause and quality of fine wine. Nevertheless, McLaren Vale is deservedly one of Australia’s most important wine regions with one of the country’s most imaginative, collaborative, and enlightened wine communities. This is highlighted by the energy and diversity of its expressive wines.
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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