Spinifex La Maline 2009

96 points James Halliday and Best of the Best in Shiraz Viognier class in 2012 Australian Wine Companion

Shiraz Viognier put Spinifex on the wine map! In the words of winemaker Pete Schell .."La Maline is the finest, most feminine Shiraz cuvee that we produce each year, co-fermented with a small portion of white grapes, typically Viognier (4% in 2009).

"...the fragrant bouquet is more lifted and fruit-focused, the elegant, medium-bodied palate with impeccable balance and length, the tannins very fine." 96 points James Halliday.

"Has the candied lift of Viognier, making its immediate presence known. Some meaty, gamey notes, then a cavalcade of pretty red berries and raspberry. The palate is juicy, tinged with fruit sweetness but given a good shape with lemony, fresh acidity. Very long and fine; it’s a surprising form the wine holds as the assumption would be more cloy and richness. Still, primary fruit drives the wine, with some firmness from both oak and fruit tannin, letting the mouth hold the good, persistent, fruit flavours. Perhaps showing some infantile simplicity in its current incarnation, but attractive nonetheless." 91 points, The Wine Front.

Price: $58.99