2019 Head Wines The Blonde Shiraz

96 POINTS

James Suckling

Stonewell’s limestone-base soils are the pricing influence behind this shiraz, with quite spicy blackberry and dark plum, as well as graphite and spiced chocolate. The palate holds a seamlessly glossy texture and manages to deliver ultra-luscious fruit in an elegantly contained mode. So long and smooth and bathed in blackberries and blueberries. Drink or hold for a decade or longer.

94 POINTS

Tyson Stelzer - Halliday Wine Companion

26yo Stonewell vines. Wild fermented; matured in 40% new French oak hogsheads and puncheons. Named in honour of limestone bedrock, this is a Barossa shiraz that presents depth and definition with life and space. Crunchy, tangy blackberries and satsuma plums are framed in finely honed tannins and energetic acid line. Dark chocolate French oak rightly leaves the main game to classy fruit. Great length and potential.

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

100% Shiraz from Stone Well (80%) and Menglers Hill (20%). Average age of vines is 30 years, with 30% new French oak. Fragrant with musky rosy perfume, creamy chocolate and vanilla, black and blue fruits. It’s succulent and supple, with fine stony, yet chewy tannin, an ample volume of purple fruit, and a long and controlled chocolaty finish, plus a little sage and grilled meat. Typical style for this wine, although perhaps a little deeper and darker than usual.