Spinifex Syrah 2019

The compelling complexity of the wine starts in the old vines, magnified by the whole bunch (40%) and whole berry (60%) fermentation: layer upon layer of blackberry essence accompanied by licorice, spices of all kinds and velvety tannins. Exceptional value. 97 Points – James Halliday, The Weekend Australian

Spinifex’s Syrah is Pete Schell’s take on a leaner, higher-toned expression of his adopted region. To this end, Schell sources from generally higher, cooler sites, where earlier harvesting gives wines with bright fruit expression and a textural freshness. The wine, naturally fermented with a judicious use of whole clusters (on average 30%) in a combination of stainless steel, wood and concrete fermenters, also sees a shorter maturation than the Esprit and Bête Noir, et al. Vine age varies from 25 to 115 years old (averaging 50 years old), and all fruit is hand harvested.