2022 Spinifex Esprit Red Blend

93 Points James Suckling
In stock
A rich and savoury Grenache-style blend from the Barossa. Spinifex are boutique players in Barossa, a couple originally from New Zealand and France who are influenced by the spirit of Southern French wine. Designed around perfume, finesse and savoury structure, the make-up of Esprit changes year-on-year. Always sourced from very old sites, mainly in Ebenezer, Williamstown and Bethany. Vine age ranges from 75, to over 150 years, and all sites are dry-grown with minimal inputs--old vineyards grown the old way. This is 'new wave' Barossa at its best.
$39.99 in mixed 6+ or $44.99 per bottle

Grape

Usually of blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro (Mourvedre) and Cinsault

Its Origins

Spinifex is a trailblazing winery at the forefront of "The New Barossa" movement. Founded in 2001 by Kiwi Peter Schell and his wife Magali Gely, they are modern-day trailblazers; making elegant, unique wines of ultra-premium quality that are also un-formulaic and genuinely hand-crafted. Peter and Magali met in New Zealand in the 90s, and have had a home in the Barossa Valley for over twenty years now, with a strong commitment and passion for the region. They also have a strong French connection, both physically and philosophically. Magali's family, were vignerons for ten generations near Montpellier in southern France. Peter is a trained oenologist and brings a wealth of experience having made wines in Burgundy, Switzerland, Provence, Bordeaux and Minervois in the Languedoc. Perhaps this explains the strong European feel of their wines. The grapes are sourced from a group of dedicated family growers in both the Barossa and Eden Valleys. The great diversity of the soils and meso-climates of the Barossa, create wines with balance, character, and depth of flavour. The vineyards Peter uses both in the region range from 50 - 120 years old. Schell finds that these old vines – which have tolerated the rigours of drought and heat – produce fruit of exceptional depth, with the indefinable savoury flavours that set Spinifex apart from the stereotypical Barossa style.

What The Critics Say

93/100 JamesSuckling.com, Ned Goodwin MW

"This is gorgeous. Mellifluous. It makes me realize just how ably a full-weighted wine like this, an intuitive Rhone-inspired blend of grenache, shiraz, mataro and cinsault, fits into the Barossan landscape. And with that, the contemporary Australian one. Peaty smokiness, charcuterie, clove, lilac, poached damson, ume, raspberry and Aussie scrub. While the finish is subtly drying and almost chalky, the tannic cladding confers a welcome savoriness. Drink or hold."

92/100 The Real Review, Aaron Brasher

"The colour is a youthful cherry red, really bright and inviting. Fragrant aromas of blackberry bramble, cherry, dried herbs, anise and spice. The flavours are mid-weight, fresh and crunchy, full of red and blue fruits, textured tannins and snappy acidity. A lovely and pure fruit-driven wine that shows beautiful poise and a sense of place. 08 APR 2023." Drink 2023 - 2030

92/100 The Wine Front, Mike Bennie

"Alcohol warmth has to be acknowledged but from there it’s pure and delicious. Red licorice, black cherry, sweet spice and lavender with fistfuls of rich red earth littered throughout. It’s lively, frisky even, and yet it’s lashed with complex flavour, in the most lovely of ways. Great drinking to be had here." Drink 2023 - 2029

Variety Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Blend
Region Barossa
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Alcohol 14.50%
Maturity 2023 - 2030

This Wine Goes Well With

with BBQ
with GAME
with LAMB

Taste

4

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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.