From Moppa Hill, on the highest part of the Western Ridge of the Barossa, with an easterly aspect so it only captures morning sun. Rich and deep, with an abundance of flavours, yet never dipping into overripe territory. Perfect balance in every respect, the vortex of fruit, spice and integrated oak leading onto the full-bodied palate, greeted by velvety tannins and an overwhelming desire for another glass.
97 points, Jane Faulkner (January 2018)
Youthful, deep red/purple colour with a subdued, shy but pleasant bouquet showing emerging plum and licorice notes, and a little toasty oak. It’s medium to full-bodied and soft, with gentle texture and rounded shape, but the aromas and flavours are a bit closed. It may need more time to fully develop its personality. The potential is certainly there.
93 points, Huon Hooke (December 2017)
Barossa Valley
Colonel William Light, the South Australian colony’s Surveyor-General, named the Barossa in 1837 after the site of an English victory over the French in the Spanish Peninsular War. In the mid-1800’s Silesian and English immigrants settled in the area. The Barossa itself comprises two distinct sub-regions: Eden Valley and the warmer Barossa Valley floor at 270m.The Barossa Valley enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers and relatively low rainfall. Cool sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent modify the temperature, however hot northerly winds can occasionally dominate creating considerable vine stress. Many older established vineyards are dry-grown, but supplementary irrigation is also extensively used. The valley is comprised of rich brown soils and alluvial sands. A long history of uninterrupted viticulture in the area means the Barossa valley is home to Australia’s largest concentration of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre with many over 100 years old. Although most famous for Shiraz, the Barossa can also produce fragrant and deliciously fruity Grenache blends and beautifully rich, chocolatey Cabernet Sauvignons.Head Wines
Alex Head is part of the new generation of small Barossa winemakers creating wines in a new, more elegant style. Inspired by the wines of the Rhone valley, Alex Head sources small-parcels of old vine fruit and uses traditional vinification techniques to produce wines with perfume, vibrant fruit and savoury complexity. Head’s aim is maximum drinkability, which he successfully achieves by emphasising freshness, balance, texture and fruit purity. Eight wines are made under the Head label, including the Blonde and the Brunette inspired by the legendary wines of the Northern Rhone.
"Earthy, coffee grounds, dark spices, black fruit, dried mint, a touch of tar. Full bodied, dense well-packed, almost silty tannin, richness and spice, almost sticky feel in the mouth – like slow-cooked ribs – dark spice theme continues, drying and firm on a long finish. Savoury. Deep. Throbbing. It’s excellent." 95 points Gary Walsh