Head Wines Wilton Hill Shiraz 2021
G 97
The vineyard was planted in 1965 at an elevation of 480 metres above sea level in the Barossa Ranges. Alex was keen to highlight a unique site, and he could hardly have chosen a better one. 30% whole bunches are used here; the wine spent 17 months in oak, and 25% new Troncais. This wine represents less than half of one per cent of Alex’s production, but what a cracking wine. Simply, so much here is deeply impressive. Deep maroon in colour, the nose exhibits notes of smoked meats, blackcurrants, soy, beef stock, dark berries, dry herbs, leather and bacon fat. A savoury style with serious complexity. The palate sees the flavours move more to the coffee bean, chocolate end of the spectrum. Supple, finely balanced and with great length and intensity, this is a star. A touch of almond bitterness ties up the finish. A 15- to 20-year proposition, there is so much going on here that it is impossible not to love it. Drink now–2034 Henschke Julius Riesling 2024 G 97 Pale colour. Intense lime pastille, camomile aromas with herb garden, hint flinty notes. Beautifully concentrated and pure fruited Riesling, with ample lime, lemon glacé fruits, fine bittersweet textures, a hint of tonic water and long fresh quartz- like acidity. Wonderful volume and mineral length; the fruit density offsetting the lowish alcohol beautifully. This has all the hallmarks of a classic bottling. Delicious to drink now, but bottle age complexity beckons. Drink now–2045+ Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2013 G 97 Medium deep crimson. Scented blackberry pastille, herb garden sage aromas with dark chocolate, touch tobacco leaf notes. Smooth and concentrated wine with attractive pure blackberry, mulberry, chinotto flavours, fine loose-knit chalky/ al dente textures and underlying mocha notes. Builds up powdery/ graphite firm with hints of tobacco leaf. Delicious bottle-aged wine with lovely symmetry and backbone. Henschke-embossed bottle. Vino-lok seal. 14.5% alc Drink now–2032+ Henschke Julius Riesling, Eden Valley 2024 G 97 Pale colour. Intense lime pastille, camomile aromas with herb garden, hint flinty notes. Beautifully concentrated and pure fruited riesling, with ample lime, lemon glacé fruits, fine bittersweet textures, a hint of tonic water and long fresh quartz- like acidity. Wonderful volume and mineral length; the fruit density offsetting the lowish alcohol beautifully. This has all the hallmarks of a classic bottling. Delicious to drink now, but bottle age complexity beckons. 11% alc Drink now–or keep for as long as you like (2045+)
South Australia 2024
71
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