2023 Head Wines Shiraz The Blonde, Eden Valley

Winemaker Alex Head says this single-block expression is his homage to finesse – which clearly shows on the palate, although there’s still a formidable, sharp black-fruited nose piqued by soot and struck flint that commands immediate attention. Sourced from a vineyard planted at Ebenezer in 1893 on deep sand over limestone and orange/red clay, this elegant wine spends 15 months on both old and new French oak. It opens to luscious red fruit that slides easily and gently over a luxurious, long palate before closing discretely with the tapering of fine-grained tannins. Exciting now, it will reveal even more excitement after more than five years in the cellar.

97 points David Sly decanter.com

A vibrantly coloured and downright delicious '23 shiraz from Alex Head. Rich, nicely poised satsuma plum, mulberry and boysenberry fruits are cut with hints of spice, pastis, panforte, olive tapenade, wood spice and dark chocolate. It sports an intriguing crushed rockiness that I love. The balance is bang on here, with a kinetic interplay of ripe fruit, limestone-borne mineral cadence and toothsome tannin presence. The wine feels pure and travels freely over the palate with impressive energy. She's good drinking this one, and should cellar nicely to boot.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

From high altitude Eden Valley vineyards, this Shiraz shows a cooler, more aromatic expression of the variety, shaped by granite soils and long, slow ripening. Head Wines focuses on site transparency and minimal intervention, and The Blonde is built to highlight perfume and spice over brute weight. Eden Valley’s elevation preserves acidity and freshness, giving a Shiraz that feels lifted, detailed and finely structured rather than heavy.

Winemaking is restrained and thoughtful. Extraction is gentle to protect aromatics, while careful oak ageing adds frame without dominating the fruit. The aim is clarity and tension, allowing the vineyard’s cool climate character to lead.

In the glass it shows a deep crimson with purple hues. Aromas are vivid and layered, opening with blackberry, blueberry and dark cherry, followed by cracked pepper, violets, olive tapenade and subtle spice. There is a savoury edge that anchors the fruit.

The palate is medium to full bodied and silky, with dark berry fruit wrapped in fine, persistent tannins. Bright acidity gives energy and length, carrying flavours of plum, spice and savoury earth through a long, mineral finish. The texture balances generosity with precision.

It pairs beautifully with lamb, grilled meats, duck and mushroom dishes. Drinking impressively now with air, it will cellar comfortably for eight to twelve years, developing deeper savoury and spice complexity.

This is Eden Valley Shiraz in a refined register, aromatic, structured and shaped by altitude.