Pete Schell's Miette wines represent sensational value and serve as a great introduction to the Spinifex range. This year’s Miette Rhône-style blend comprises Grenache (61%), Mourvèdre (32%) and Shiraz (7%) from five vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Vine age ranges from 25 to 115 years across the sites, and soils vary from deep sand in Vine Vale to the gravelly red earth of Moppa. The former brings aromatic lift and finesse, while the latter lends structure and power. It’s a wonderful combination.
The 2022 season was later than usual, and conditions were generally more moderate than the warm norm. Pete Schell fermented each batch separately in steel tanks, with an average of 20% bunches and the remainder destemmed berries. Maturation took place over 22 months in steel tanks, seasoned 2500-litre foudres and 700-litre demi-muids. As is the norm, this punches well above its weight considering the price: deep, juicy and savoury with fine structure, generous weight and persistent length. As classic as they come from Spinifex.