A stonking Shiraz from a small and boutique Barossa player. Sourced in old vines of very low yield, winemaker Alex Head has followed his inspiration in the Norther Rhone to produce a Shiraz of immense depth but also refinement and finesse. A beautiful Shiraz for this mid-range price, the Old Vine is a label to grab while it's available.
Winery Notes (2019 Vintage)
"Very small parcels of fruit from vineyards up to 100 years old are hand-picked, fermented with some whole-bunches and blended to make this traditional Barossan wine. Racked once during maturation of 12 months in larger barrels (some new). Showing all the richness of fruit you would expect from Barossan Shiraz at its best. Fruit sources in 2019 are from the following: 70 y.o. Marananga Shiraz. 100 y.o. Flaxman Valley Shiraz."
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Brooding and complex, the engaging bouquet shows dark fruit richness with smoky bacon, olive and spicy oak notes, followed by a concentrated palate displaying excellent density and supple mouthfeel. It's beautifully composed and polished with a lengthy structured finish. At its best: now to 2034."
95/100 Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com (2019 Vintage)
This has rich blackberry and raspberry aromas with cloves, spicy oak, red plums and violets. The palate is very plush, deep and smoothly textured. Ripe tannins stretch long and carry blueberry, dark-cherry and blackberry flavours. Drink or hold."
94/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, May 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Blackcurrant, sage and mint, full on Eden perfume, rich sweet dark fruit, supple tannin, long too. A whole lotta Eden here, and some dark chocolate flavour. Sweet and perfumed and brooding. Very good."
93/100 Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, May 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Floods the senses, big, sweet fruit presence, nice little savoury undertow of dried herbs and earthy spice, wash of ripeness tempered with tight tannin and a good splash of fresh acidity. It’s glossy, perky, bold but holds itself well, and vibrant. Well done here, a delicious, moreish, bolder red."