Pete Schell's Miette wines represents sensational value while delivering a great introduction to the Spinifex approach to winemaking and sourcing.
This year, Miette's Rhone-style blend takes in Grenache (56%) with Mataro (40% ) and Shiraz (2%). Each parcel is impeccably sourced from old, dry-grown vineyards on the northern, western and eastern edges of the Barossa Valley, with vine age ranging from 55 to over 150 years.
In terms of the winemaking, all vineyards are hand-harvested, whole bunches averaged 45%, and aging occurred on light lees in seasoned demi-muid, foudres and stainless steel. Bottled without filtration, this 2016 bats waaaay above its price-point with deep aromatics of red plum, liqueur cherry and redcurrant, cheek-by-jowl with some savory bottle development.
Juicy acidity and fine, persistent tannins perfectly hem the wine's generosity. Simply a great-value, classical Grenache-based blend from an outstanding small grower.