Spinifex Spinifex Miette Shiraz 2018

Miette is the French word for crumbs, and while this label started its life crafted from the (delicious) off-cuts that fell from Spinifex's top table, today the picture is somewhat different. The wine is made from fruit sourced specifically for this cuvee, the core of which in 2018 came from six key vineyards in Ebenezer, Bethany, Tanunda and Moppa--serious Barossa terroirs that have delivered bold, honest and deep Shiraz flavours and structure. Schell has also blended in some wines from the higher country of the Barossa Ranges and Eden Valley to bring freshness.

All of the grapes were hand-harvested and fermented wild with approximately 20% whole bunches. Aging was undertaken in a range of French oak vessels of 225 to 2,500 litres capacity, and some in steel. The wine was bottled 20 months after vintage. It's a superb value--aromatic, high toned, medium-weighted yet intense Barossa Shiraz, loaded with aromas and flavours of spiced dark cherry, mulberries, dried cranberries, subtle peppercorn and bay leaf. The palate is silky yet fresh and cool. Classically Barossa and yet bright and juicy--and all the better for it!