Z Wine William Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
G 94+
Deep crimson. Blackcurrant, dark chocolate, peppermint aromas with herbgarden notes. Glossy pure cassis, mulberry fruits on the palate with underlying praline notes, grainy/ cedary textures and well-integrated mineral acidity. Minty notes pervade but add freshness and line. Drink now–2034 Head Old Vine Grenache 2024 G 94 This one is a nod to the ancient way Barossa families made their wines, through the use of bush vines, and also a nod to the Barossa Old Vine Charter, looking at the age of vineyards. Overall, the vines come from Ebenezer and Trial Hill vineyards, planted between 1858 and the 1940s, the latter from Pewsey Vale. Just 300 cases made. A small percentage of whole bunches were included in the fermentation and maturation was in large, neutral French oak. Pale crimson/garnet in colour, at the moment this is slightly subdued, but we do have notes of herbs, strawberries, kirsch and florals. It is silky and seductive in texture, with very fine tannins and a lingering finish. A lovely wine which promises to reach higher levels over the next decade. Drink now–2035
Head Red Shiraz 2024
G 94
Alex uses fruit from 10 different Barossa vineyards in creating this wine. The very fine 2024 vintage has resulted in a most successful effort. An appealing purple/ maroon hue here, this wine is plush and generous and attractively perfumed. We have notes of cocoa powder, violets, gentle spices and mocha. There is a fine line of acidity running the full journey and the wine is well balanced throughout. Seriously impressive length, this is delicious and should remain so for at least the next 8–12 years. Lots to love here. Drink now–2037 Alkina Estate Shiraz 2024 G 94 Deep crimson. Intense elderberry, blackberry with dark chocolate/ bush garrigue notes. Inky deep dark berry, dark chocolate flavours and long powdery firm tannins. Some underlying savoury notes. Some minerally leafy notes at the finish. Fruity and textural wine. Drink now–2034 Alkina Old Quarter Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro 2023 G 94 Medium-deep crimson. Strawberry, red cherry, chinotto with lifted graphite notes. Fresh minerally palate with bittersweet strawberry, red cherry cola flavours and fine loose-knit chalky textures. Finishes al dente with star anise notes. Drink now–2030
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The Vintage Journal
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