Henschke's Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills

Thursday 14 April 2011

HEAD Wines, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Alex Head made his debut on the wine making scene in December 2008, inspired by the wines of Cote-Rotie in the Rhone Valley, France. Alex has focused on Shiraz (and Shiraz Viognier) which he has sourced from single vineyards that are situated  in different districts of the Barossa Valley. Those vineyards also have different soil profiles and produce wines with contrasting personalities.

Alex also produces a semillon and most recently added an 'old vine' Grenache to the line up. He has experienced an enviable debut, receiving significant praise from highly respected reviewers, such as James Halliday. Oh, and there are only very small quantities of these wines. 

www.headwines.com.au

Head Red Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $25, a blend of declassified barrels from 'the Blonde' and 'the Brunette', the bouquet burst forth with vibrant berries, which were also pronounced on the palate - 92.

Grenache (2009) RRP $25, this wine was made using traditional techniques, whole bunches were pressed and fermented in an old oak barrel using natural yeasts, unfined and unfiltered. Light ruby, with a restrained nose, this straight grenache was very approachable. With a palate of red berry fruit it was easy drinking. Some residual sugar? An ideal match for a robust Indian curry - 90


The Blonde Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $35, single vineyard wine from the Stonewell district of the Barossa Valley. It had a pretty floral and berry bouquet. Great balance and flavour intensity, with impressive acid on the finish - 94.

The Brunette Syrah (2009) RRP $45, single vineyard wine from the Moppa district of the Barossa Valley. Deep purple, a bouquet of tar and licorice followed through onto the palate. Great balance of fruit, tannin and acid. Light to medium bodied - 93.
 

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