Moppa Barossa Valley
100 % Saperavi
13.5% Alc
The Barossa 2023 vintage was the latest picking vintage this millennia. Late Autumn rainin May 2022 followed by plentiful rains during winter filled the soil profile. Above average rainfall continued in Spring with over 50 days of rain leading to more than double the long term average. Combined with moderate temperatures this weather delayed veraison until February. Summer was dry and moderate with few heat spikes meaning the grapes ripened slowly and were picked in the cooler months of March and April.
Harvested April 20
Whole berries kept for ferment
Fermented in small open top for 8 days
Gentle pump overs and hand plunging
14 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads
Filtered prior to bottling
Opaque and powerful crimson in color, this Saperavi presents an inky and brooding nose of fresh prune, chocolate cake, and toasty oak. The palate features a core of blood plum and purple fig, complexed with earthy warm spice and subtle savory oak. Fresh and vibrant black cherry cola entry leads to assertive yet supple tannins, with terrific balance and a long, powerful finish.
(Vintage 2022)
95 Points – Steve Leszczynski, QWine Reviews
95 Points – Top Gold medal and Trophy for Best of the rest, 2023 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show
94 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
93 Points – Silver medal, 2023 Royal Adelaide Wine Show
92 Points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
Arila Gardens Moppa Saperavi 2023
Arila Gardens is a boutique family-owned winery in the Moppa subregion of Barossa Valley, South Australia. Established in 2018 by Adam and Marie Clay, the 20-acre estate includes vines dating back to 1900. Their wines are exclusively estate-grown and crafted with care, showcasing the unique terroir of Moppa through small parcels known as “gardens,” each named after its soil type—Sand, Quartz, and Ironstone.
The winery was born from Adam and Marie Clay’s long-standing dream, dating back to their oenology studies at the University of Adelaide. With over 40 years of combined experience and exposure to top wine regions worldwide, they acquired the Moppa property in 2018. The site includes a historic 1870s ironstone cottage and old vines. The name “Arila” honors the Aboriginal word for “sand, land, and earth,” a tribute to both the soil and cultural roots.
Arila Gardens aims to create expressive, elegant wines that reflect the personality of each vineyard block. With a focus on minimal intervention, dry-grown vines, and meticulous parcel selection, they craft small-batch wines that capture the nuance of variety, soil, and climate. The Clays emphasize sustainability and treat their vineyards like gardens—nurtured with precision and pride.
Adam Clay brings deep experience from Penfolds and international vintages in France, Italy, Spain, and the U.S. Alongside Marie, he combines technical expertise with a personal, intuitive approach to winemaking. Judging wine shows and tasting Australia’s best sharpened his vision. At Arila Gardens, Adam fulfills a lifelong ambition: making world-class wines rooted in family, tradition, and the soils of Moppa.
Barossa Wine Show 2024 : Best Shiraz Trophy / Best Single Vineyard Wine / Best Red Wine / Best 2022 Shiraz / Best Barossa Wine / Best Viticulturist / Best Wine of Show