Tasting Notes
Winery Note:
99 % Shiraz, 1% Viognier. With La Maline we are seeking a pure, finely structured expression of Barossa Shiraz. Key contributors in achieving this are vine age, site altitude, a soil sympathetic to the style and dedicated vineyard husbandry. Vineyard altitudes range from between 360 and 500 m asl, three Vineyards are in Eden Valley and one is in the Barossa Valley.Vine age averages around 75 years. Soils are poor, generally loamy sands sitting over varied parent material bases, all are unirrigated. Vinification was kept relatively simple. All fruit was hand harvested and cooled overnight. Around 30-40% of bunches were retained and fermented as whole clusters, the balance were destemmed. Approximately 1% pressed Viognier marc was added during fermentation which were are undertaken in small open stainless steel and wooden fermenters with indigenous yeasts. Maceration times were generally between 12-20 days. Elevage on light lees was undertaken in a selection of thick staved 600 L demi muids and barriques. Unfined and bottled without filtration. Winery Notes.
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 Shiraz |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | South Australia |
| Sub Region | Barossa Valley |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Minimal Intervention |