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 Brunette, taken from a single vineyard on Moppa Hill, Alex describes the vineyard soils as “lean red clays with seams of ironstone — brunette in colour .”
Head Wines, The Brunette, Shiraz, Barossa Valley, 2018
Evocative and reminiscent of the complexity and spice that old Barossa fortifieds slowly evolve to, with caramel hints, rust, tight dark berries, leafy lift, formic acid/crushed ant, leather and dusty red jelly crystals. Earthier and more tannic, yet seemingly sitting within a lighter frame than the Blonde. This feels sinewy, tall and tight with fisted jabs of dark fruit that will take some time to unclench.
RRP: $65
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 18.75/20 (94/100)
Wine sample courtesy of Head Wines
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