2023 Head Red Shiraz 6 Pack

94 POINTS

David Sly - Decanter

Sourced from 15 vineyards, mostly from Eden Valley, with vines aged between 30 and 130 years old, this wine chases winemaker Alex Head’s vision of a dextrous blend of Barossa Shiraz characteristics. Complexity shows in the proud red fruit that flexes its lean muscle, before a complex tannin line tugs a strong undercurrent of black fruit all the way to a distant finish line. That finish reveals some of the secrets to this blend, which contains 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% of a field blend melange of Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Petite Syrah. There's also some Viognier co-fermented in Eden Valley Shiraz parcels, plus some whole-bunch fermentation, to amplify a luscious purple colour and high floral aroma, though nothing is exaggerated. Matured for 18 months with 8% new French oak, its lean tannin profile pulls tight rein on the finishing note, leaving the tastebuds puckered for more.

93 POINTS

Ken Gargett - Winepilot

The barrels used here were largely ex-Chardonnay, which is an interesting twist. The vineyards which provided the fruit – there were ten of them – are mostly higher altitude vineyards in the Eden Valley (60%) with the rest from the Barossa (40%). The vines are between 15 and 80 years of age. The wine includes 1% Viognier, which was co-fermented. Maturation was for a year and a half, with 5% of the wine doing time in new French barrels. A plum/purple hue, the nose is redolent of black cherries, graphite, cocoa powder, black fruits and ripe plums. Alluring perfumes abound. There is a line of fine acidity, good balance, a sleek texture and real persistence. The palate sees the emergence of dark chocolate and smoked meats. Love it. A ten year proposition. This is such great buying.

92 POINTS

Dave Brookes - Halliday Wine Companion

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.

90 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

A funny name. Blue and purple fruit, sage, aniseed, quite spicy too. It’s medium-bodied, a little bit autumnal and mulchy, grilled meat, a slight orange tang to acidity in a juicy sort of amaro way, with a dusty and spicy finish of solid length.

90 POINTS

Angus Hughson - Vinous

This charming 2023 Shiraz Head Red, with fruit from the Barossa and Eden Valley, is well-pitched with energetic, bright aromas of raspberry, five spice, and wild strawberry. This has good weight with just enough tannins to keep it in shape for the next two to three years. The 2023 is a great value.