2022 Spinifex Bête Noir Shiraz

Bête Noir Shiraz 2022 - Spinifex

95 Points James Halliday

Dark Horse Barossa Valley Shiraz - Incredible Value

The Bête Noir Shiraz 2022 from Spinifex represents exceptional winemaking with a name that translates to 'black beast' or 'dark horse' - perfectly capturing this wine's character as an outstanding value proposition. This exceptional wine has earned 95 points from James Halliday and has had two years to develop complexity and integration. Originally retailing for $55, this wine now offers incredible value at $33, representing a mature, premium Barossa Valley Shiraz at an unbeatable price. Tasting Notes

This exceptional mature Shiraz displays remarkable concentration and dark intensity with intense aromatics of blackberry, dark plum, and blueberry, complemented by sophisticated notes of violet florals, white pepper, and exotic spice. Two years of development has added layers of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, and coffee, while distinctive Barossa characteristics of chocolate, leather, and earthy minerality add complexity. On the palate, expect full-bodied richness with beautifully integrated tannins, excellent structure, and a long, complex finish that showcases the wine's exceptional maturity and the dark, powerful character that gives this wine its evocative 'black beast' name.

 Barossa Valley Dark Power

The Barossa Valley's warm continental climate and diverse soils create ideal conditions for producing Shiraz of exceptional power and concentration. Spinifex has mastered the art of creating wines that showcase the darker, more intense side of Barossa terroir, producing wines that are both powerful and elegant. The 'Bête Noir' name reflects the wine's dark, intense character that embodies the best of Barossa Valley Shiraz.

 Spinifex Dark Horse Excellence

Spinifex has established itself as one of the Barossa Valley's most innovative producers, and their 'Bête Noir' represents a dark horse in their portfolio - a wine that over-delivers on quality and value. Their approach combines traditional Barossa power with modern winemaking precision, creating wines that are both authentically Barossa and distinctively Spinifex. The 95-point score confirms this wine's status as a true dark horse.

 Food Pairing Recommendations

• Premium Beef: Perfect with grilled ribeye, beef Wellington, or barbecued steaks
• Game: Excellent with venison, wild boar, or duck confit
• Lamb: Pairs beautifully with herb-crusted rack of lamb or slow-braised lamb shanks
• Cheese: Complements aged hard cheeses like vintage Cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Rich Dishes: Wonderful with beef bourguignon, osso buco, or rich pasta dishes

 Perfect Two-Year Maturity

This 2022 vintage is now at excellent drinking maturity, showing the complex secondary characteristics that develop with two years of proper aging. The wine has reached an optimal drinking window while retaining excellent aging potential for another 12-18 years. The two years of development have enhanced the wine's dark intensity while maintaining perfect balance.

 Incredible Dark Horse Value

At $40), this two-year-old, 95-point Barossa Shiraz represents incredible value - a true dark horse in the wine world. The combination of outstanding quality, dark intensity, and two years of maturation makes this both a pleasure to drink and exceptional purchasing. A 95-point wine for $33 is virtually unheard of.

 Dark Horse Character

The 'Bête Noir' name perfectly captures this wine's character as a dark horse - an unexpected winner that over-delivers on both quality and value. Like a dark horse in a race, this wine surprises with its exceptional quality at an unbeatable price.

 Outstanding Recognition

The impressive 95-point score from James Halliday places this wine in the elite tier of Barossa Valley Shiraz, confirming its status as a true dark horse that punches well above its weight class.

An exceptional dark horse Barossa Valley Shiraz that over-delivers on both quality and value. With outstanding critical recognition and incredible pricing, this wine represents both immediate drinking pleasure and the thrill of discovering a true dark horse in the wine world.