This is the inaugural release of the Sol Solice Grenache—and what a start! This wine will represent the finest Spinifex Grenache of a given vintage. In 2022 the fruit was sourced from two vineyards: the Rostein Vineyard in the Eden Valley (64%); and a vineyard in Light Pass in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Both vineyards are managed organically by Pete and Magali. The three hectares of Grenache in the Rostein Vineyard were planted in 2018, and according to Pete, at 490 metres above sea level, it’s the highest altitude Grenache block in South Australia. The Light Pass site is a dry-grown vineyard with 60-year-old vines.
Vinification was similar with both blocks. Fruit was hand-picked, fully destemmed and naturally fermented in stainless steel and old wood. Fermentation lasted eight days with minimal pump-overs. After pressing, the wine matured in seasoned puncheons and demi-muids for 10 months before it was bottled without fining or filtration.
A sign of things to come, this first release is pure magic. It’s knee-deep in scents of berries, florals, earth and spice, while the palate is intensely flavoured, with ample texture, refreshing tannin and brightness all striking a flawless balance. Finishing with a beautifully long, tapered and perfumed close, this refined and layered Grenache over-delivers in every department. Southern Rhône, eat your heart out.
Critic Reviews
97 POINTS
James Halliday - The Australian
"It’s all about purity and effortless balance."
- James Halliday (The Weekend Australian)
97 POINTS
James Halliday - The Australian
"It’s all about purity and effortless balance."
- James Halliday (The Weekend Australian)
97 POINTS
Dave Brookes - Halliday's Wine Companion
Grenache sourced from the high elevation of the Eden Valley and the Barossa Valley floor. An offering of the best grenache of the growing season, according to Peter Schell. Plenty of vibrant, aromatic fruit with juicy red plum, cranberry and mulberry fruits sheathed in gingery spice and hints of cola, earth, dried citrus rind, teacake, orange blossom, raspberry coulis and redcurrant paste. Firm, chalky tannin grip and a super lively, mineral-laden wine finishing juicy – just a pure, joyous rendition of the variety. A new wine for the crew from Spinifex and it is glorious drinking.
95 POINTS
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front
Smells exotic; is exotic. Orange peel and raspberry, cranberry and chalk, floral elements and roasted spice notes. It’s both pretty and substantial, juicy and taut. There’s something ultra pure about this wine; something special. Woodsmoke and earth notes rise as the wine breathes. Apart from many things else, it’s a gorgeous drink.
95 POINTS
Aaron Brasher - The Real Review
Fabulously deep, dark and vibrantly red in the glass. Lifted aromas of anise, blackberry, bramble, pastilles, ironstone and graphite, really complex and evocative. Full, plush and decadent on the palate, there's a core of dark fruit, all mulberry, blackberry and dark, pithy cherry, there is also some graphite and licorice at play. The tannins are textured, drying and layered and provide mouth-feel, length and presence. Delicious!”
95 POINTS
Aaron Brasher - The Real Review
Fabulously deep, dark and vibrantly red in the glass. Lifted aromas of anise, blackberry, bramble, pastilles, ironstone and graphite, really complex and evocative. Full, plush and decadent on the palate, there's a core of dark fruit, all mulberry, blackberry and dark, pithy cherry, there is also some graphite and licorice at play. The tannins are textured, drying and layered and provide mouth-feel, length and presence. Delicious!”
Shipping & Returns
Marketplace Product:
Dispatch in 7 to 12 business days from our Sydney warehouse.
Vintages for Marketplace items are subject to change, and we cannot guarantee the specific vintage you ordered will be delivered. Generally, the latest available vintage will be delivered to you.
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Tasting Notes
This is the inaugural release of the Sol Solice Grenache—and what a start! This wine will represent the finest Spinifex Grenache of a given vintage. In 2022 the fruit was sourced from two vineyards: the Rostein Vineyard in the Eden Valley (64%); and a vineyard in Light Pass in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Both vineyards are managed organically by Pete and Magali. The three hectares of Grenache in the Rostein Vineyard were planted in 2018, and according to Pete, at 490 metres above sea level, it’s the highest altitude Grenache block in South Australia. The Light Pass site is a dry-grown vineyard with 60-year-old vines.
Vinification was similar with both blocks. Fruit was hand-picked, fully destemmed and naturally fermented in stainless steel and old wood. Fermentation lasted eight days with minimal pump-overs. After pressing, the wine matured in seasoned puncheons and demi-muids for 10 months before it was bottled without fining or filtration.
A sign of things to come, this first release is pure magic. It’s knee-deep in scents of berries, florals, earth and spice, while the palate is intensely flavoured, with ample texture, refreshing tannin and brightness all striking a flawless balance. Finishing with a beautifully long, tapered and perfumed close, this refined and layered Grenache over-delivers in every department. Southern Rhône, eat your heart out.
