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: “Sourced from four very special Grenache vineyards, each on different soils to create complexity and harmony in the final blend.
“The 2023 vintage was mild in every manner with high humidity through the season from our third year in a row of La Nina. Unusually for these cooler conditions, Grenache achieved enough raw extract & tannin to bottle on its own without the usual blending partners of Shiraz and Mataro (GSM). During vintage it was not clear this would happen — what sheer delight to watch this wine unfold.
“The first vineyard was planted in 1970 on the Biscay soils of Bethany. The second is 1950-planted bush-vines from Ebenezer on white/grey sand over clay. The third is Krondorf planted 1942 on red/brown cracking clay and the final is again Ebenezer, planted 1950 on white wind-blown Kalimna sands. Each vineyard is hand picked and we ferment with about 5% whole bunches. 15 months in French puncheons and a splash of 1968-planted Mataro make this wine utterly delicious and ready for immediate consumption. Lightly chill — ice cubes allowed but…don’t tell me.” Alex Head 14.5% alc.
94 points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot “The fruit here comes from four old vineyards across the Barossa. The wine is designed for immediate gratification. The vineyards, across Bethany, Krondorf and two in the sub-region of Ebenezer, were planted between 1942 and 1970. A dollop of whole bunches was included and there is also 3% Mataro forming part of the blend. Alex suggests a brief chill for full enjoyment. 700 cases. A little comparable to what one imagines drinking a glass of silk would be like. We have notes of kirsch, raspberries, mulberries and cherries, with dried herbs and bright acidity. Persistent style, fresh and youthful, with appealing balance. A Grenache of finesse and a pleasure to drink now, but I would not hesitate to put some away for the rest of the decade, if one felt inclined.“
93 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion“Look at you – all perfumed and come-hither in the glass! What a great little wine for the price. A blend of 97/3% grenache/mataro sourced across a number of parishes – Bethany, Krondorf, Ebenezer and Nuriootpa – with a slinky 5% whole bunch. Red and dark cherry and plums dusted with gingery spice, dried raspberries, medina spice, blossom, mulberry and earth. Ditto on the palate, which is pure with a slight savoury lean. Fine pumice-stone tannins and a plume of spice and red fruit as it fades.”
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 Price $23.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.