"So good!" | 95 Points - Dave Brookes
Spinifex has emerged as one of the most impressive Barossa 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 delicious Barossa red, with the 2023 made up of 66% Grenache blended with Cinsault (31%) and Counoise (3%). All grapes are sourced from exceptionally old, dry-grown bush vines in the Barossa Valley; the Grenache component from a plot of vines planted around 1890!
A fresh, lively Barossa red this has plenty of lifted aromatics of redcurrant, raspberry, rose petal and dried spice. The palate is medium-bodied and lively with red cherry, juicy raspberry and cranberry flavours. Loaded with plenty of fruit expression and depth, this is another super drinking offering from Spinifex and a bargain at under $30.
"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.
