Tasting Notes
Pete Schell (Great name) knows how to blend it like Beckham (Horrible pun)... On the fuller side of the blends he is known for, like Esprit and Papillon. For me this wine is all about the Mataro, making up 37% of the blend. The Mataro helps add a layer of savoury depth to the wine. Brightened by the remaining components of Grenache, Cinsault and Shiraz, which is where the red and blue fruits join the party. A real winner... Also like Beckham. - Pete L
Spinifex Wines is a leading, innovative producer in the Barossa Valley, Australia, founded in 2001 by the husband-and-wife team of Peter Schell and Magali Gely. They are celebrated as part of the "New Barossa" movement, known for crafting elegant, character-driven wines with a strong focus on French (particularly Rhône Valley) varietals and a European sensibility.
Their winemaking philosophy is centered on minimal intervention and expressing a true "sense of place". Grapes are sourced from a network of dedicated growers across both the warmer Barossa and cooler Eden Valleys, utilizing old vine material (some over 100 years old) to achieve concentrated flavors while maintaining freshness and balance. In the winery, they employ partial or full wild yeast fermentation, use minimal new oak (preferring large, seasoned French oak barrels and stainless steel/concrete tanks), and focus on sustainable vineyard practices.
Spinifex produces a diverse range of wines, with key blends and single-varietals including the flagship red blend 'Esprit' (Grenache, Mataro, Shiraz), the lighter 'Papillon' (Cinsault, Grenache), and the white blend 'Lola' (Semillon, Clairette, Ugni Blanc). They are highly regarded for their ability to blend the richness of Barossa fruit with elegance and finesse, offering wines that are both complex and highly drinkable.
| Product Type | Wine Red Grenache & Friends |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | South Australia |
| Sub Region | Barossa Valley |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |