Spinifex Bête Noir 2021

Spinifex Bete Noir is a Shiraz built from nine small Barossa and Eden Valley vineyards, all of them old-vine.

Vine age spans 25 to 125 years with an average near 65, and the eastern foothills, Moppa, Eden Valley and Light Pass each pull the blend in a different direction. Whole clusters ranged from everything to nothing depending on the site, around 35 per cent in the end, and fermentation was wild. Twenty months on lees in French oak from 225 to 4,500 litres, 35 per cent of it new, preceded an unfiltered bottling. Pete Schell called 2021 a really good year, which, given how sparing he is with praise, is worth paying attention to.

Medium-bodied and finely drawn, with dark cherry, dried rose, pepper and a mineral, savoury finish on tight tannin. Serve at 17 degrees. It handles roast lamb, duck, or a mushroom and barley risotto with equal ease.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.