Spinifex Indigene 2016

Deep crimson-purple. Clearly the best of the three very good ’16 Spinifex Shirazs, all making light of a vintage that had a few challenges, and also reflecting the old vines. It effortlessly moves along a bouquet and palate that are supremely elegant, complexity so deeply seated and balanced you barely notice it until the time comes to spit it out. Purple and black fruits sit within a web of tannins and a whisper of oak. 97 points, James Halliday, 2020 Halliday Wine Companion

Has that dried blood/game meat thing going on strong, a savoury wine of generosity and depth emerges. Plush in the palate but set to just over medium weight. Intense, dark berry fruit, a sluice of root beer through it all, then the earth and bloodiness envelops things and a swish of silty tannins finishes the wine. Great length, detail and overall appeal here. A lot to chew on and a lot to admire. A fantastic expression. 95 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

This year’s blend is 85% Shiraz and 15% Mourvèdre, sourced from three dry-grown old vineyards (of 60, 70 and 100 years of age) grown on the eastern fringes of the Barossa (60%) and the Eden Valley (40%). All three sites are high altitude, low yielding sites. The fruit is hand harvested, cooled overnight and naturally fermented with 40% whole bunches. Fermented in small stainless steel and wooden fermenters for between 10 and 20 days. Pressed into a selection of barriques and demi-muids, 40% new, for 20 months prior to assemblage, unfined and bottling without filtration. This is Pete Schell’s ode to the classic Barossa style (with his twist). Expect plenty of deep, dark cherry and blackcurrant fruit and really classy, spicy oak combining together in this classic style. There’s also some vibrant whole bunch freshness and perfume and plenty of powdery tannins. Classic and classy!

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