Alex Head Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024
G 95
The Stonegarden vineyard at Springton, 400 metres high and in the cooler parts of the Eden Valley, was planted more than 170 years ago, and provides the meagre yield used here. Just 800 bottles made. From an exceptional vintage, 10% whole bunches are incorporated in the fermentation and maturation is in old Austrian oak. This is an intensely perfumed Grenache. There is concentration and complexity here. A dark magenta in colour, the nose gives us notes of raspberries, florals, spices, cassis, coffee beans and plums. Excellent balance and length with a fine line of acidity, this is a cracking example of the variety and shows just why it is currently the hot thing in wine. A 15-year proposition. Drink now–2040 Alex Head Old Vine Shiraz 2024 G 95 This wine is a blend of fruit from old, dry-grown vineyards from both the Barossa and Eden Valleys, a 70/30 split. Maturation included 20% new oak barriques for 11 months. The wine enjoys the inclusion of 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The aim is refinement rather than ripeness. Alex believes that this is the best of this line that he has yet made, and I can find absolutely no reason not to endorse that wholeheartedly. An inky dark purple/maroon hue, the nose is redolent of chocolate, mocha, coffee beans, liquorice, charcuterie and cassis. Generous to a fault, there is a seductiveness to this wine that is compelling. On the palate, we see more and more chocolate emerging with notes of liqueur cherries. There is serious intensity for the full length, while the balance is maintained. A fine line of acidity and satiny tannins complete the picture. Enjoy this over the next 15 years. A cracker. Drink now–2040 Alex Head Riesling 2025 G 95 The fruit for this superb Riesling is sourced from the Trial Hill Vineyard at Pewsey Vale, a 1.8-hectare site, which is terraced and contoured, with dry-grown 80-year-old vines. The quality of this wine puts Alex well in the conversation with our very top Riesling producers. The wine has a very pale lemon hue. It is immediately apparent that there is serious intensity here. The nose gives us notes of limes, jasmine, citrus, bathroom talc and hints of lavender. There is bright acidity, fine balance and good focus, with real energy and excellent length. The wine will enjoy a thrilling future for at least the next 15 years, longer if necessary. Love it. Drink now–2040
Alkina Estate Semillon 2024
G 95
Medium pale colour. Fresh waxy lemon curd, pear skin, tonic water hint marzipan aromas with lifted notes. Richly flavoured wine with waxy pear, lemon curd, fine chalky textures, lovely creamy viscosity and underlying marzipan notes. Finishes crispy and long. On the margins but it works very well. Drink now–soon
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The Vintage Journal
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