$36.99
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Region: Barossa/Eden Valley's
Grapes: Mataro, Cinsault, Grenache, Shiraz
First Glance: Red-fruited, Silky, Lively
When Spinifex first made the scene (so to speak) in 2001, this was one of the wines that made a big impact on what we have become to expect from new millennium Barossa Valley. Always designed around perfume, finesse and savoury structure, the make-up of Esprit changes year-on-year, while never sacrificing its 'Barossa Burgundy' tag.
As always, the wine was sourced from a selection (eight in total) of very old vineyards, mainly in Ebenezer, Williamstown and Bethany. Vine age ranges from 75 to over 150 years, and all sites are dry-grown with minimal vineyard inputs—old vineyards grown the old way. This year's release is Mataro (41%), Cinsault (35%), Grenache (21%) and Shiraz (3%). Each parcel was fermented wild and macerations varied from between eight and 20 days. Maturation was in a combination of well-seasoned 600 and 1200 litre barrels and stainless steel. Only the Grenache component was fermented as whole clusters.
It’s beautifully constructed medium-bodied wine, revealing a seamless composite of raspberries, wild strawberries and cherries, with some white and black pepper and violets thrown into the mix. With its lively acidity and taffeta-like tannins, Spinifex’s calling card has never looked so good.
