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.

100% Chardonnay from a pioneering vineyard on the East Coast of Tasmania, planted in 1979. Hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed to tank. The juice was settled overnight and racked off gross lees to seasoned oak, mostly 450 litre puncheons and fermented with native yeasts. Lees were stirred only for the early part of maturation to build texture and complexity. All barrels were then topped and sulphured to prevent malolactic conversion and thus retain natural acidity. Drink by 2031.

Hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, wild ferment in used French barriques, matured for 11 months on lees. The decision to bypass any new oak had a win-win outcome, reducing the cost price while focusing on the exceptional quality of the fruit. It has drive and complexity, with grapefruit leading a complex offer of layered fruit, creamy cashew and sustained length. - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, 95 Points

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Value, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.9%