This week, the 2022 MMAD Vineyard Chenin Blanc has taken out one of the top gongs in the Halliday Wine Companion Awards, being recognised as the Best Other White or Blend of the Year, with an impressive 98 points. The award marks a significant accolade for the MMAD Vineyard, especially considering it is only the second vintage under the MMAD Vineyard label.
Adam Wadewitz from MMAD Vineyard noted the significance of their win saying, “This win is a big deal for us as 2022 is only the second vintage under the MMAD Vineyard label. There is something very special about old vine Chenin Blanc grown in Blewitt Springs, and it’s fantastic to see this recognised by the Halliday team.” The celebration was attended by Michael Hill-Smith MW, Adam Wadewitz, and David LeMire MW from MMAD Vineyard.
David LeMire MW shared his excitement about the variety, “We’re all really excited by Chenin Blanc as a variety. With its higher acidity, texture and unique aromatics, Chenin Blanc adds some much-needed diversity for wine drinkers.” He described the Chenin Blanc as the “dark horse” of their project, which underscores the crucial aspect of cultivating the right variety in the appropriate location.
Located in the premium region of Blewitt Springs and first planted in 1939, MMAD Vineyard boasts bush vine Grenache along with Shiraz and Chenin Blanc. The oldest plantings date back to 1941 and 1964 respectively. The vineyard is owned by four wine professionals: Martin Shaw, Michael Hill Smith MW, Adam Wadewitz, and David LeMire MW. Both Michael and Martin are established figures in the wine industry, having founded Shaw + Smith winery in Adelaide Hills in 1989. Adam and David presently hold positions as co-CEOs at Shaw + Smith, where Adam is the Chief Winemaker, and David is the Head of Sales and Marketing.
The 2022 MMAD Vineyard Chenin Blanc, retailing for $49 RRP, has seen prior successes as well, including wins at the McLaren Vale Wine Show for Best Single Vineyard Wine Any Style (other than Shiraz) and Best McLaren Vale White Wine.
Despite South Australia’s historical dominance at recent wine awards, this year’s event saw Victorian wineries take a majority of the titles at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards for 2024. Notable winners included Oakridge 864 Drive Block Funder & Diamond Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 from Yarra Valley, Victoria, which took home the Wine of the Year title, and Giant Steps from Yarra Valley named Winery of the Year. Meanwhile, Liz Silkman from First Creek Wines and Silkman Wines in Hunter Valley, NSW, was celebrated as Winemaker of the Year.
Nevertheless, South Australia continued to make an impression with Barossa Valley’s Sami-Odi winery securing the 2025 Best New Winery title. Campbell Mattinson commented on behalf of the Halliday Wine Companion, highlighting the winery’s achievements, “Heart and soul. Absolute heart and soul. What Fraser McKinley has done with old-vine Barossa shiraz/syrah over the past (nearly) 20 years is remarkable, and it’s important.”
Gibson Wines from Barossa Valley clinched the 2025 People’s Choice Award, a significant achievement as it reflects the public’s love for the winery. Rob Gibson, founder and chief winemaker at Gibson Wines, remarked on the win, “It reflects a grass-roots love of what we do at Gibson.”
Another noteworthy win for South Australia came from Thistledown Wines, securing the 2025 Grenache and Blends of the Year with its This Charming Man Single Vineyard Clarendon Grenache 2023, which also scored 98 points.
More News
