The Ministry of Clouds Grenache 2024 is a perfumed, medium-bodied McLaren Vale red that leads with red fruit and spice rather than sweetness or weight. Bright, savoury and finely drawn, it sits closer to the lifted end of Grenache than the plush one.

Raspberry, pomegranate and red plum come first, followed by dried thyme, white pepper and a faint musk-like floral note. Air brings a touch of blood orange peel and something earthy underneath the fruit.

The palate is fresh and juicy, with fine sandy tannins that build gently through the middle and a clean line of acidity keeping everything upright. There is real length here without any heaviness, and the finish is dry, faintly herbal and quietly persistent.

Pair the 2024 Grenache with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, duck ragù, char-grilled quail or a paella heavy on chorizo. It also handles Middle Eastern spicing well, so think kofta, smoky eggplant and pomegranate. A half hour in a decanter or a light chill on a warm evening both suit it.

Drinking well from release and through to about 2032, with the fruit softening and the savoury, spiced side coming forward from around year four.