Spinifex’s 3.5-acre Moppa Shiraz source is in an elevated zone in the northwest, a site which has been producing exceptional Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro for Spinifex since 2005. Although the exact age of the vineyard is unknown, it is thought to be at least 80 years old. It has been managed organically for 40 of those years by a unique vigneron who grew up on the block and has the utmost respect for his vines. In 2015, when the right vintage presented itself, Schell released his first single-vineyard bottling. Fast-forward to this truly superb 2021 release, and you have a Shiraz that’s firing on all cylinders.
Hand-harvested fruit was fermented (with 30% whole bunches) in both wood and steel fermenters for between 10 and 24 days, then raised in a combination of puncheons, demi-muids and barriques (40% new). The wines were kept on light lees until racking and blending 20 months after harvest.
The result is a whole lot of wine for your money. Restrained Barossa power is balanced by perfectly pitched weight, structure, acidity and an incredibly persistent finish. It’s rich, deep, and a wee bit boisterous with abundant and complex flavours, seductive appeal and signature Spinifex balance. Modern Barossa at its best.