2021 Spinifex Indigene Shiraz Mourvèdre

Indigene Shiraz Mourvèdre 2021 - Spinifex

96 Points James Halliday

Outstanding Rhône-Style Blend - Three Years Matured

The Indigene Shiraz Mourvèdre 2021 from Spinifex represents exceptional Rhône-style winemaking from one of the Barossa Valley's most innovative producers. This outstanding blend has earned 96 points from James Halliday and has had three years to develop remarkable complexity and integration. Originally retailing for $90, this wine now offers exceptional value at $60, representing a mature, near-perfect Rhône-style blend with the benefits of extended aging.

 Tasting Notes

This exceptional mature blend displays remarkable complexity developed through three years of careful aging. The Shiraz provides intense aromatics of blackberry, dark plum, and blueberry, beautifully complemented by the Mourvèdre's contribution of exotic spice, leather, and earthy complexity. Three years of development has added layers of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, and coffee, while the distinctive Rhône-style character shows violet florals, white pepper, and Mediterranean garrigue. 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 masterful blending that defines this indigenous Australian interpretation of classic Rhône varieties.

 Barossa Valley Rhône Excellence

The Barossa Valley's warm continental climate creates ideal conditions for Rhône varieties like Shiraz and Mourvèdre, and Spinifex has mastered the art of blending these varieties in the traditional Rhône style. Their approach honors the indigenous character of these varieties while expressing the unique Australian terroir, creating wines that are both authentically Rhône in style and distinctively Australian in character.

 Spinifex Rhône Mastery

Spinifex has established itself as one of Australia's premier producers of Rhône-style wines, with a particular expertise in creating blends that showcase the synergy between different varieties. Their 'Indigene' range represents their commitment to expressing the indigenous character of Rhône varieties in Australian terroir, creating wines of exceptional complexity and authenticity. The 96-point score confirms their mastery of this challenging style.

 Food Pairing Recommendations

• Mediterranean: Perfect with ratatouille, tapenade, or Provençal herb-crusted meats
• 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 Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Pecorino
• Spiced Cuisine: Wonderful with Moroccan tagines, Spanish chorizo, or Middle Eastern spiced dishes

 Perfect Maturity

This 2021 vintage is now at excellent drinking maturity, showing the complex secondary characteristics that develop with proper aging. The wine has reached an optimal drinking window, displaying the kind of complexity and integration that comes from three years of development. While it can continue to age gracefully for another 10-15 years, it's drinking beautifully now, showcasing the full benefits of its maturation.

 Serving Suggestions

Serve at 16-18°C (61-64°F) and decant 1-2 hours before serving to allow this mature blend to show its full complexity. The three years of aging means the tannins are well-integrated, but decanting will help showcase the wine's developed aromatics and complex Rhône-style character.

 Outstanding Recognition

The impressive 96-point score from James Halliday places this wine in the elite tier of Australian Rhône-style blends. Such high scoring confirms the exceptional quality of this indigenous interpretation of classic Rhône varieties and Spinifex's mastery of this style.

 The 2021 Vintage

The 2021 vintage in the Barossa Valley was characterized by excellent growing conditions for Rhône varieties, producing wines with perfect balance between power and elegance. Three years of aging has allowed this wine to develop the complexity and sophistication that defines great mature Rhône-style blends.

 Exceptional Mature Wine Value

At $60 (down from $90 RRP), this three-year-old, 96-point Rhône-style blend represents exceptional value for a mature wine of this caliber. The combination of outstanding quality, Rhône-style complexity, and three years of development makes this both a pleasure to drink and smart purchasing.

 Indigenous Excellence

The 'Indigene' name reflects this wine's expression of the indigenous character of Rhône varieties in Australian terroir. This blend showcases how traditional European varieties can find authentic expression in Australian conditions, creating wines that honor both their heritage and their new home.

An exceptional mature Rhône-style blend that showcases the indigenous character of Shiraz and Mourvèdre in Australian terroir. With outstanding critical recognition from James Halliday and exceptional value, this wine represents both immediate drinking pleasure and the benefits of proper aging from one of Australia's premier Rhône-style producers.