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, Wine Companion (February 2022)
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.
91 points, The Wine Front (February 2022)
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.
