2023 Spinifex Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

Spinifex Chardonnay from Adelaide Hills is a refined and expressive cool-climate white wine that beautifully balances vibrancy and complexity. Known for its minimal-intervention approach, Spinifex, led by winemaker Peter Schell, is celebrated for crafting small-batch wines that highlight terroir and purity. While the winery is rooted in Barossa, Spinifex sources exceptional Chardonnay fruit from the high-altitude vineyards of Adelaide Hills, where the cool climate and diverse soils create ideal conditions for producing elegant and mineral-driven Chardonnay.

Pale straw in color, the wine opens with fresh aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and green apple, interwoven with subtle notes of almond, wet stone, and flint. The palate is medium-bodied and precise, offering vibrant flavors of lemon curd, nectarine, and grapefruit, supported by a fine acid backbone. A creamy texture from lees aging adds depth, while well-integrated oak contributes a touch of vanilla and spice without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long and refreshing, with a distinct mineral edge and lingering citrus notes.

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seared scallops, grilled white fish, or roast chicken with herbs. Its crisp acidity and layered complexity also make it an excellent match for creamy risotto, truffle-infused pasta, or soft cheeses like Brie and triple-cream Camembert. Designed for immediate enjoyment, it will also evolve gracefully over the next 5–7 years.

Spinifex’s focus on precision and terroir expression has earned this Chardonnay high praise, standing out as a serious yet approachable example of cool-climate Australian Chardonnay.