Ministry of Clouds Chardonnay 2023

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.

Ministry of Clouds continues their deep fascination with Chardonnay, constantly seeking out and contemplating the finest expressions of this grape. While they appreciate the elegant, flinty, and cordite-like qualities found in top Australian examples, they also admire the harmonious intensity and power present in the best of Burgundy. To achieve this balance, the winery sources grapes for this particular wine from a distinguished pair of vineyards located in the Piccadilly Valley and Birdwood sub-regions of the Adelaide Hills.

All fruit was handpicked then whole bunch pressed to a mixture of new and old barrels (35% new) with full solids included for wild ferment. Post fermentation, all barrels were topped and remained un-sulphured until we believed the balance of natural acidity and gentle MLF complexity had been achieved. No battonage was undertaken, but maturation on fine lees for 9 months, and MLF at approximately 35% has built gentle texture and complexity.

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

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Value, South Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.3%