95 Points - Dave Brookes
Spinifex is one of the most exciting Barossa Valley wineries of recent times, always hitting the seemingly perfect balance between approachable, modern wine styles while respecting the traditions of the region.
Spinifex's Papillon is always a delightful modern Barossa red showing that ripeness and depth of flavour doesn't need to come at the expense of freshness and vineyard clarity. The 2023 Spinifex Papillon is a blend of old-vine Grenache and Cinsault, with the Grenache coming from vines dating back to the 1890's. Fresh, lively with wonderful fruit expression and beautiful depth, this is a wonderful example of the style Spinifex does so well.
"95 Points. Pete Schell's Papillon and I have had a thing going for a while. If I spy it on a wine list it's often what I'll go for as it consistently delivers a great drinking experience and matches a range of foods. This year it's 66/31/3% grenache/cinsault/counoise 3%. Spacious, sapid and energetic, it's all raspberries and cranberries daubed with exotic spice, rose petals, sour cherry, dried herbs and stone. That whoosh of sour red plum at the end gets me every time. So good! 13% alc. Drink: 2025 - 2035. Screwcap. $28."- Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion.
