Alex Head has more than a fondness for the Rhone, so he has two single vineyard Barossa wines that tip their hat to their Rhone namesakes.

“This single vineyard lies in the Stone Well parish at 280m altitude and has a myriad of soil types including sandy-loams, red clays and a limestone rock base — blonde in colour — running the length of the vineyard.”

Head Wines, The Blonde, Shiraz, Barossa Valley, 2018

Offering sweeter brioche nuances, minerally white rocks, fruit cake (dried peel and all spice), Christmas pine, cooling blackberry, smoked meats and pink peppercorn. Energy and lift, as if floating just above the earth. A purity of fruit with it being placed at the forefront of the palate in wonderful focus. Gauze like tannins that wrap and fold gently, neatly through the long finish. Shows plenty of class.

RRP: $50
Alc: 14%
Rating: 18.75/20 (94/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Head Wines