Indigene

2021 Spinifex Indigene

Vinification:

Hand harvested fruit was chilled overnight prior to destemming, placed in open stainless-steel fermenters (with 30% bunches retained in the Shiraz portions) for between 10 and 24 days.  Fermentations were undertaken with indigenous yeasts and were matured on light lees until racking and blending 20 months after harvest. Components were matured in thick staved French oak puncheons and barriques, of which 40% were new.

Growing Season:

Sourced exclusively from some of our oldest and most characterful dry grown Shiraz (52%) and Mataro (48%) vineyards located in Ebenezer, Moppa and an elevated site in the Eastern foothills of the Barossa. Viticulture is pretty old school, hand pruned and picked, minimal to nil foliar sprays and occasional cultivation of mid-rows and under-vine to manage weeds.  The 2021 growing season and vintage conditions were close to historical averages. Solid winter and spring rains were a great start to the season but uneven weather through spring negatively affected flowering. The weather approaching and during the harvest was generally mild, dry, and without tribulation.

Tasting Notes:

A broody nose of carbide, wood smoke, red and satsuma plums, cranberry and blackberry elements are framed by more delicate notes of dried rosemary, charcoal, hazelnut, ink, cardamom, and anise.

Dark sour edged plum, cassis and tart blackberry fruit lead on the attack and hold a tight line to turn to nervy dried griotte, blue berry fruit and woody spices on the finish.  The palate is driven by a streak of plum skin like acid and cool, stony tannins.   Punchy, fresh, vigorous, strong fruit with equally strong structure.

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2018 Tasting Notes

Sourced exclusively from some of our oldest and most characterful dry grown Shiraz (63%)  and Mataro (37%) vineyards located in Ebenezer, Moppa and High Eden.   Hand harvested, fermented in open stainless steel and oak fermenters (with 30 % bunches retained in the shiraz portions) for between 10 and 24 days.  Fermentations were undertaken with indigenous yeasts and were matured on light lees until racking and blending 20 months after harvest. Components were matured in French oak demi-muids and barriques , 20 % new.

Savoury, broody nose where roasted chestnut, hazelnut, dried cherry, mulberry and sweet cassis elements are framed by more delicate ground coffee, dried citrus rind and fresh tarragon notes. Time in the glass brings brighter, sour edged plum and liquored cherry notes.

Dark plum, ripe blackberry fruit and suede lead on the attack. Core flavours get darker and more roasted through the palate and are lifted with delicate dried floral notes on the finish. The palate is driven by a streak of cherry pit like acid and firm pickled walnut tannin.   Full and vigorous, strong fruit with equally strong structure, fresh.

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2013 Tasting Notes

2013 Indigene was sourced from six vineyards averaging 70 years of age (ranging from 20 to 110 years) located in pockets of quartz shot clay and silty sand soils across the Barossa Valley at elevations of between 230 and 420 m.a.s.l.

Deep garnet

Deep, complex and masculine aromatics. Higher-toned dried dark cherry, blueberry, violet laced blackberry fruits, fresh bay leaf and pickled walnut rise over a darker core of suede, Indian ink, hardwoods, brazil nut, coffee and boudin noir.

Intense and concentrated, yet not expansive. Dark, savoury and saline elements find balance against fleshy, elemental fruit. Initially subjugated by the unresolved core of red and black fruits, stony acids and fine sandy tannins build to drive the finish, fresh and firm. The restrained complexity of old vineyards and the generosity given by the Barossa’s ancient soils are both evident in measure.

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2012 Tasting Notes

Deep vibrant garnet

Restrained yet deep aromatics range through hazel nut, sandalwood, bay leaf, iodine and nori to more primary elements of fruity bitter chocolate, dried cherry, griotte and blueberry with time in the glass. Displays the warm savoury depth of old vines and ancient Barossa soils.

Initially shy on the palate, stony, herb laced blue fruits – builds with air a strong savoury fruit core that flirts with opulence – a discreet richness held in check with finely chiselled sandy tannins and blueberry like acids. Displays a lovely measure of flesh and bone. Strongly regional. Soulful.