Description
Winemaker Alex Head’s dream to make elegant Barossa wines began in 1999 while travelling through some of Europe’s greatest wine growing regions, along with his longheld fascination with the synergy of good wine, fine food and happy company at the table. Head Wines is all that and more.
Alex follows a traditional négociant model, an old practice where the winemaker does not grow their own grapes, instead working with a number of small growers. Around three-quarters of the grapes that end up in Head Wines’ bottles are sourced from a carefully chosen selection of these elevated Eden Valley sites. All of these vineyards are farmed sustainably using organic principles where possible; yields are controlled and grapes are hand-picked.
Not being tied to his own vineyards has allowed Alex to spend years understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a number of sites in pursuit of his individual style. Alex creates great Barossan wines that are memorably balanced whilst pursuing styles that are intentional and truly of place. This is sublime winemaking.
“Some say I have a contrary approach. But my motivation is simple. Old World wines captivate me and no place lets me express that better than the Barossa.” Alex Head
Top 50 Australian Wineries for 2023 by The Real Review.
About this wine and the vintage from the winemaker: “2021 had its third coolest and driest ripening period in 25 years. Combined with the cool, night time temperatures, Barossa was blessed also with a return to above average yields — happy growers, happy life.”
“Sourced from two very special Grenache vineyards grown and picked specifically for bottling as a straight Grenache (not a GSM). The 2021 vintage was mild in every manner, mainly due to La Nina. Grenache did not achieve high sugars like the previous three vintages and this has given us the opportunity to make a straight varietal HEAD RED Grenache (well almost). 95% Grenache, 5% Mataro.
“The first vineyard was planted in 1970 on the Biscay soils of Bethany. It is spur-pruned, shoot-thinned and bunch-thinned for quality. The second vineyard is 1968 planted bush-vines from Nuriootpa on red-clay over sand. Both are hand picked and we ferment with about 10% whole bunches. 9 months in French hogsheads and a splash of 1968 planted Mataro make this wine utterly delicious and ready for immediate consumption. Lightly chill.” Alex Head
Deep crimson red in colour with notes of raspberry, red liquorice, dusty earthen spices and wild herbs. The palate has sweet red fruits with delicate tannins and a gentle acid presence.
91 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion “Alex Head gets grenache. Here it’s a bouncy, perfumed and vital riff on the variety; less of the chin stroking and pontification; more of the clinking of glasses and footloose, imbibing kind of vibe. It’s all ripe red plum and cherry fruits, dredged with exotic spice and stalky complexity from 10% added stems. Light in body, big on fun. Pop it in the fridge to take the edge off and away you go.”
91 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Bright and crunchy style. Raspberry, raspberry frog, a bit of spice, dried herb, roses and leaf. Medium-bodied, plenty of raspberry juiciness, light emery tannin, discreet earthiness and a fresh but jubey finish of moderate length. It can be enjoyed young, though I think it will be better with another year or so in bottle*. Charming.” (*Tasted Feb 2022)
RRP $30 *Our Special Intro Price $23.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*
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