2023 Adelina Estate Introspect Field Blend, Clare Valley

A field of varieties; shiraz, grenache, mataro, ugni blanc, carignan and roussanne were grafted into a single block randomly. The wine is picked at once and co-fermented. Matured in older, large format oak. It pours with the colour of pinot noir, has scents and flavours of raspberry, cranberry, cinnamon-clove spice and black olive with a touch of regional mintiness. It has slick texture with fine, silty grip of quality tannins, exceptional length and persistence, a sense of freshness and levity. Refreshment factor at its core. Beautiful, original wine.

95 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

The Adelina Estate Introspect Field Blend is one of Clare Valley’s more quietly fascinating offerings, an unfiltered glimpse into the character of the vineyard and the philosophy of the people behind it. Col McBryde and Jennie Gardner, the pair behind Adelina, are known for working organically, gently, and with deep respect for site. This wine is a direct result of that mindset — a co-fermented blend of red and white grapes grown together, harvested together, and fermented as one. The composition can shift slightly vintage to vintage, but expect a mix of early-picked Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro, and often some white grapes like Semillon or even Riesling depending on the year and whim of the winemakers.

This is a light to medium-bodied wine that doesn’t follow conventional rules. It’s savoury, fresh, and loaded with energy. Aromatically it leans into redcurrant, cherry skin, dried rose petals, and hints of Campari herbs and blood orange. There’s bright acid, a fine tannin frame, and a kind of ethereal lift that makes it feel like a red with white wine bones. It’s juicy but never simple — more contemplative than smashable, despite its easy-drinking personality.

The winemaking is minimal intervention: wild ferment, no fining or filtration, and old oak for a gentle touch of structure without intrusion. It’s a wine that reflects the vineyard as a whole — not just one varietal, but a living, breathing patch of Clare dirt.

Serve slightly chilled and enjoy with a wide range of food: roast duck, soba noodle salad with sesame dressing, grilled halloumi, or even a bánh mì. It’s also a smart companion to charcuterie, especially anything with fennel or warm spice.

Best enjoyed young for its vibrancy, but it can cellar 3 to 5 years if you like things a little more savoury and mellow.