Spinifex Wines occupies a distinctive place in the Barossa Valley landscape. Rather than chasing sheer scale or opulence, the winery has built its reputation on clarity, balance, and site expression, crafting wines that feel both deeply rooted in South Australia and subtly informed by Old World sensibilities.
Founded in the early 2000s by winemakers Peter Schell and Magali Gely, Spinifex emerged from a shared belief that Barossa Shiraz could be more than power and ripeness. With backgrounds that bridge Australian pragmatism and French technique, the pair set out to make wines that respect vineyard character, natural acidity, and textural finesse. Their Syrah bottling is one of the clearest statements of that philosophy.
Origins
Spinifex Syrah is typically drawn from a combination of Barossa Valley and Eden Valley sites, often including older vineyards planted on diverse soils ranging from sandy loam to ironstone and decomposed granite. These cooler or elevated parcels naturally moderate ripeness, encouraging aromatic complexity and savory detail rather than overt sweetness. Harvesting is timed to preserve freshness, ensuring the fruit retains energy alongside depth.
Winemaking
In the winery, Spinifex favors a hands off but highly attentive approach. Fermentations may include a portion of whole bunches, contributing spice, structure, and aromatic lift. Extraction is gentle, avoiding aggressive pumping or overworking of the skins. The wine is matured in older French oak barrels and larger-format vessels, chosen to shape the wine subtly rather than impose flavor. The goal is always harmony: fruit, tannin, and acidity moving together rather than competing.
Tasting Notes
Spinifex Syrah opens with a distinctly savory aromatic profile. Notes of cracked black pepper, smoked meat, violets, and dried herbs sit alongside dark plum, blackberry, and hints of olive and graphite. The palate is mid weight rather than massive, delivering layers of juicy black fruit, spice, and mineral nuance. Tannins are fine and powdery, giving structure without dryness, while natural acidity keeps the wine agile and food-friendly. The finish is long, gently savory, and quietly persistent, echoing spice and dark fruit rather than sweetness or heat.
Awards and Accolades
Over the years, Spinifex has earned consistent critical praise for its Syrah and broader portfolio. The winery is frequently recognized for producing wines that balance regional character with elegance, earning high scores from respected wine critics and maintaining a strong reputation among sommeliers and collectors alike. These accolades reflect not flashiness, but reliability, integrity, and a clear stylistic vision.
| Wine Type | Red wine |
| Producer | Spinifex Wines |
| State | South Australia |
| Region | Barossa Valley |
| Variety | Shiraz |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Alcohol | 14.5% |
