2024 Spinifex Tempranillo, Barossa Valley

Spinifex was founded in 2001 by Peter Schell and Magali Gely — he a trained oenologist who has made wine across Burgundy, Provence, the Languedoc and beyond; she from a family with over ten generations of viticulture near Montpellier. Between them they brought a very particular conviction to the Barossa: that the vineyard is everything, and that the winemaker's role is to preserve what the land and the grower have already achieved rather than impose on it. Spinifex built its reputation through long-term relationships with exceptional growers — and those relationships remain the heart of the range. The own vineyards came later: the Rostein in the Eden Valley from 2014, the historic Dominion near Vine Vale from 2018. The négociant model has never been a compromise at Spinifex any more than it is for many of the great names of Burgundy. What matters is the land, and the honesty with which you listen to it.

Tempranillo has been part of the Spinifex range since 2006 — long enough to say Pete Schell understands what the variety needs and where to find it. The fruit comes from a single vineyard in the Barossa Valley where cool nocturnal air keeps the freshness and natural acidity intact through. Dry-grown, hand-picked early, fermented and matured for 10 months in well-seasoned neutral French oak before bottling.

Red cherry, dried herbs and a cola-like earthiness on the nose, with a medium-bodied palate of fresh, fine tannins and a clean, dry finish.

Instinctively food-friendly from the moment you open it. Grilled lamb cutlets with romesco; slow-cooked chicken with olives, capers and sherry; or a simple plate of jamón with manchego and good bread. The wine's red fruit and earthy savoury notes are good company in any of these directions.

Drink now through 2030.