2022 Head Wines Shiraz Old Vine, Barossa Valley

Deep red-purple colour with a fresh bouquet of raspberry, red cherry and mint. Fruitcake and dark chocolate traces, too. It's full bodied and firmly structured, the tannins ensuring it will age well. Lovely flavours of rich fruitcake, plum pudding and chocolate persist. A classic style of Barossa shiraz. 01 Sep 2024 Drink 2024–2037

91 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Head Wines Shiraz Old Vine from the Barossa Valley is a rich, soulful red that captures the depth and history of the region’s ancient vines. Crafted by Alex Head, a winemaker known for his Rhône-inspired approach and love of site-driven wines, this cuvée pays homage to the Barossa’s dry-grown vineyards and their ability to produce Shiraz with both intensity and finesse.

Sourced from low-yielding, old vine blocks across the Eden and Barossa Valleys, this Shiraz is all about balance—powerful but not overdone, structured but with plush fruit at its core. The soils range from sandy loams to red clays and ironstone, each contributing to the wine’s layered profile. The elevation of the Eden Valley sites brings freshness and perfume, while the Barossa floor adds depth and richness.

Alex uses traditional, hands-off techniques to let the vineyard shine. Fermentation takes place in small open vats, often with a portion of whole bunches to build structure and complexity. The wine is matured in a mix of seasoned French oak barrels, allowing the fruit and site expression to lead.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, cracked pepper, and violets, with subtle notes of earth, spice, and cured meat. The palate is full bodied but finely tuned, with concentrated black fruit, ripe tannins, and a savoury, mineral finish that lingers with elegance.

This is Barossa Shiraz with detail and soul—a wine that respects tradition while embracing finesse. It’s built for hearty fare like slow-cooked lamb, chargrilled steak, or wild mushroom ragù.