Ministry of Clouds 'LDR' Pinot Noir Blend 2023
Primary flavours

Dark Cherry

Red Plum

Ripe Raspberry

Asian Spice

Damp Earth

Dried Florals
Details
What a lovely, elegant wine! Equal parts Pinot Noir, Syrah and Gamay, it's fresh and breezy, with unripe cherry skin, red berries, and a silken palate. Soft and gentle, but not without precision and direction. There's a gentle wash of tannin to keep things on track. Delicious drinking.
Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood are South Australian wine industry veterans, although they probably wouldn't like us referring to them as such! Young in years and younger at heart, they have a serious amount of experience under their belt, ranging from Yalumba to Wirra Wirra, from marketing to winemaking. Armed with such talents, they form a formidable duo, whether it be in making wine, selling it or just drinking it. With a home base in the McLaren Vale, they formed Ministry of Clouds in 2012 and released their first wines in 2015. They manage a vineyard planted with Tempranillo, Carignan, Mencía and Picpoul, and buy some Grenache. They also look further afield, to the Clare Valley and to Tasmania, where they indulge their passion for Riesling and Chardonnay respectively. Their style is complex and serious, detailed and fresh. They produce wines of substance and nuance, and if you are not acquainted with their style, well... what are you waiting for?
Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood are South Australian wine industry veterans, although they probably wouldn't like us referring to them as such! Young in years and younger at heart, they have a serious amount of experience under their belt, ranging from Yalumba to Wirra Wirra, from marketing to winemaking. Armed with such talents, they form a formidable duo, whether it be in making wine, selling it or just drinking it. With a home base in the McLaren Vale, they formed Ministry of Clouds in 2012 and released their first wines in 2015. They manage a vineyard planted with Tempranillo, Carignan, Mencía and Picpoul, and buy some Grenache. They also look further afield, to the Clare Valley and to Tasmania, where they indulge their passion for Riesling and Chardonnay respectively. Their style is complex and serious, detailed and fresh. They produce wines of substance and nuance, and if you are not acquainted with their style, well... what are you waiting for?
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Taste Profile
This wine’s tasting notes.
Sweetness
nonesomelots
Body
lightmediumfull
Fruitiness
lowmediumhigh
Tannins
lowmediumhigh
Acidity
lowmediumhigh
Oak
nonesomelots
Alcohol
low
(under 12%)medium
(12-14%)high
(14%+)
Taste Summary
This wine’s tasting notes are leaning towards medium bodied, low sweetness, with medium acidity, very fruity, low tannins, medium alcohol and some oak.
Specs
Region
Adelaide Hills
country
Australia
Grape type
Pinot Noir Blend
Wine Maker
Ministry of Clouds
Alcohol
13%
Vintage
2023
Cellar period
3-5 years
Closure
Screw Cap
Production method
Wild Yeast
Temperature
Lightly Chilled 10°C-13°C
State
SA
Pairing guide
The LDR Pinot Blend 2023 has a silky, red-fruited core—think cherry, cranberry and subtle spice—balanced by a fine savoury edge. It’s perfect with dishes that echo that brightness and freshness: duck breast with cherry glaze, charcuterie, wild mushroom risotto, or even a miso-glazed salmon. Its delicate tannins and lively acidity mean it won’t overpower lighter proteins, but still stands up beautifully to earthy flavours and umami-rich sides.
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Food

Confit Duck

Mushrooms

Risotto
Tastes

Earthy

Fruity

Floral
Moods

Contemplative

Relaxed

Romantic
Seasons

Autumn

Cooler Months
Recipe Matches
Wine region

Adelaide Hills, Australia
The Adelaide Hills wine region, located in South Australia's Mount Lofty Ranges
of South Australia is characterised by its high altitude, cool climate, and diverse soils, which all contribute to the unique terroir that produces elegant, complex, and expressive wines. The region's altitude ranges from 400 to 700 meters above sea level, creating a cooler climate than other wine regions in South Australia. The cool temperatures slow down the ripening process of the grapes, resulting in wines with high acidity, delicate aromatics, and elegant flavours. Top sub-regions are Lenswood, Piccadilly Valley, and Basket Range, each with unique microclimates and diverse soil types that produce singular wine styles, the highlights are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and a whole lot more!
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