Spinifex Old Vine Shiraz 2012

This limited release is sourced from an ancient Shiraz vineyard located on the outskirts of Nuriootpa. Planted sometime between 1910 and 1920 and growing in deep sandy loam over clay, this vineyard has long been held to produce archetypal, powerful Barossa Shiraz. Picked relatively early and fermented 30% as whole bunches. This has tempered this parcel’s old vine power with fine savoury cut, whilst still allowing the vineyard to express itself. It may not be your typical Spinifex fare, but it’s none the less outstanding. Packed with layered, plummy, mint-choc fruit, it’s beginning to develop a savoury undertow of roasted meats, earthy spice and leathery hints. Old school, sticky tannins completes the picture. It is a big wine from a producer more known for lift and finesse, but it’s nonetheless a beautiful Shiraz full of soul. All fruit was hand harvested and cooled overnight. Around 30% of bunches were retained; fermentation took place in small open stainless steel and wooden fermenters, with indigenous yeasts. Post ferment maceration lasted 14 days. The wine was raised on light lees in a selection of thick staved 600 litre demi muids, and some barriques (30% new) for 20 months; unfined, and bottled without filtration.