2023 Head Wines Red Shiraz, Barossa

Deep crimson in the glass with aromas of doris plum, blackberry and black cherry fruits. Hints of baking spices, dark chocolate, licorice, sage, peppercorn, blackforest cake and earth. Pure black fruits on the palate, leaning towards savoury on the mid-palate. A slide of coal dust, fine-grained, toothsome tannins and a brightly formed, medium-length finish. Drink to 2033.

92 points (Special Value) Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, September 2025

Vibrant deep ruby red colour with a gorgeous aromatic nose of forest berries and musk sticks. Medium to full bodied, the palate mirroring the nose in terms of flavour profiles but there’s an additional crushed rosemary depth that balances the sweet vibrancy. Good length and balance right to the finish with both sandy tannins and fine acidity working to keep it focused. A lot of character at this price. Drink to 2032.

91 points Stuart Knox for The Real Review, October 2025

Alex Head follows a negociant model of working with select growers rather than farming his own vineyards. This has allowed him to spend years understanding the characteristics of the varied sites of the Barossa while refining his winemaking style: some retention of stems, ferments using indigenous yeasts, minimal sulphur throughout the wine-making process, and bottling without fining or filtration.

The Red Shiraz is a large puzzle pieced together from 15 vineyards across the Barossa. In 2023, the blend is mainly Barossa Valley, with 30% from Eden Valley vineyards. The season was heavily influenced by La Niña, with cool and humid conditions producing fruit of natural aromatic lift.

The fruit fermented for two weeks in a mix of open fermenters. Part of the Eden Valley component included whole bunches and tiny amounts of Viognier. The wine matured for 18 months in primarily seasoned oak, and the final blend includes parcels normally reserved for the Head Old Vine Shiraz.

Aromatic top notes of musk stick candy, warm baking spice and black pepper lead on the nose, grounded in aromas of dark chocolate and black fruit. The medium-bodied palate mirrors the nose in chocolate and fruit, but leans towards savoury, with hints of Mediterranean herbs and dusty tannins.

This wine calls for group hugs and a generous bowl of seven-vegetable couscous with sweet tfaya.