Spinifex Papillon Grenache Cinsault / 2024 / 750mL

The Spinifex Papillon Grenache Cinsault 2024 is a light to medium-bodied Barossa Valley red built for freshness rather than force. Pale ruby in the glass, it leans on perfume and drinkability, and takes a chill happily.

Aromatics run to raspberry, red plum skin and musk, with a floral lift and a faint dusting of white pepper and dried thyme. There is a hint of pomegranate and blood orange peel that keeps the fruit bright rather than sweet.

The palate is supple and gently juicy, with fine, powdery tannin and a line of acidity that stops the Grenache fruit from spreading. Cinsault brings a crunchy, almost crisp quality through the middle, and the finish is savoury and dry, closing on red fruit and a touch of earth. Texture matters more here than weight.

Serve it at around 14 degrees with charcuterie, roast chicken with lemon and herbs, grilled lamb skewers, duck pâté, or a mushroom and thyme tart. It also handles tomato-based pasta and spiced vegetarian dishes better than most Barossa reds.

Drink now through to 2029. The 2024 is approachable from release and does not need cellaring, though a couple of years will round the tannin and let the savoury notes come forward.