2021 Spinifex Indigene Shiraz Mataro, Barossa Valley

A broody nose of carbide, wood smoke, red and satsuma plums, cranberry and blackberry elements are framed by more delicate notes of dried rosemary, charcoal, hazelnut, ink, cardamom, and anise.

Dark sour edged plum, cassis and tart blackberry fruit lead on the attack and hold a tight line to turn to nervy dried griotte, blue berry fruit and woody spices on the finish. The palate is driven by a streak of plum skin like acid and cool, stony tannins. Punchy, fresh, vigorous, strong fruit with equally strong structure.

Indigene is based on the Barossa's wonderful resource of old-vine Shiraz and Mataro (aka Mourvèdre). This year's blend was sourced exclusively from some of Spinifex's oldest, dry-grown Shiraz (63%) and Mataro (37%) vineyards located in Ebenezer, Moppa and High Eden. The fruit was hand-harvested, cooled overnight and naturally fermented with 30% whole bunches. Fermentation took place in small steel and wood fermenters for between 10 and 20 days, then the wine was pressed into a selection of barriques and demi-muids (20% new) for 20 months prior to bottling (unfined and without filtration).