2016 Spinifex Moppa Shiraz, Barossa Valley

The 3.5-acre vineyard, located in the Moppa sub-region, an elevated zone in the north-western reaches of the Barossa Valley, has been a source of exceptional Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro for Spinifex since 2005. "The grower is a very reserved gentleman," says Pete Schell, "understated and modest. But of all the growers that we purchase fruit from, he's the one who takes the greatest pride in delivering a hand-picked bin of grapes in as perfect condition as possible". Although the exact age of the vineyard is unknown, it is thought to be at least 90-years-old. So, in 2015, when the right vintage presented itself, Schell did not hesitate to release a single vineyard bottling. You only need a quick sniff of the new release to realise why he has repeated the exercise in 2016. 

Shell's sophomore Moppa opens with lifted aromatics of blackberry, blackcurrant, spice, and dark chocolate built in with a lovely mineral note that adds a fresh feel. The palate is typically compact and layered, showing similar black fruits and spice with a slick of plush tannins that calls out for something unctuously slow cooked. The finish is long, silky and persistent; a classy, old-vine, flavor-packed Barossa from the great man.

Pete's tech notes: All fruit was hand harvested and cooled overnight; 30-40% whole bunch ferments in open stainless steel and wooden fermenters with indigenous yeasts; maturation was on light lees in a selection of thick staved 600 litre demi muids and barriques; unfined and bottled without filtration.

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