Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2023
G 96
Vine age here is over 70 years, with the Riebke vineyard at Ebenezer planted back in 1950. There is also 3% (a dollop) of Mataro from Nuriootpa, not quite as old, planted in 1965. The oak used here is a mix of large French and Austrian. Stunning stuff and fabulous value. 200 dozen. A crimson/magenta hue, the nose is a mix of strawberries, florals, raspberries, milk chocolate and coffee grinds. The wine offers impressive intensity and is wonderfully seductive with silky tannins and great length. This is a brilliant Grenache and can be enjoyed for at least a decade, likely longer. Drink now–2034 Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz 2019 G 96 Medium crimson. Intense and expressive blackberry, brambly, dark chocolate aromas with graphite, herb garden nuances. Inky deep blackberry, blackcurrant, mocha, roasted chestnut chinotto flavours, lovely sinuous chocolaty textures, attractive volume and fresh well-balanced acidity. Bitter-sweet, touch ferruginous at the finish with aniseed notes. Generous, supple and chocolaty. A classical Barossa style with a hint of Eden Valley sage. Henschke-embossed bottle. Vino-lok seal. 14.5% alc Drink now–2034 Henschke Keyneton Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2021 G 96 Medium-deep crimson. Pure dark cherry, hint marzipan aromas with aniseed, herb garden notes. Minerally and loose-knit in structure with pure cherry, blackberry pastille fruits, fine chalky/graphite textures, lovely mid-palate volume and fresh quartz acidity. Supple lacy finish with vanilla marzipan notes. The soupçon of new oak gives an extra level of complexity. Really delicious and satisfying wine. 63% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot. 18 months’ maturation in 11% new and 89% seasoned oak hogsheads (82% French, 18% American). 14.5% alc Drink now–2034 Hobbs of Barossa Ranges Gregor Shiraz 2021 G 96 Medium-deep crimson. Lovely raspberry, dark plum aromas with roasted chestnut, malt, espresso notes. Beautifully balanced wine with ample raspberry confit, dark plum fruits, plentiful fine grainy tannins, superb mid-palate volume and well- balanced malt, roasted coffee, vanilla nuances. Liquorice at the finish. 15.4% alc Drink now–2034 John Duval Wines Eligo Shiraz 2020 G 96 Deep crimson. Lovely praline, blackberry aromas with hints of marzipan/vanilla/ roasted hazelnut aromas. Luxuriant pure black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, espresso flavours, fine integrated slinky textures and lovely mid-palate volume/buoyancy. Bittersweet finish lengthens the palate. Suave and classic. 14.5% alc Drink now–2036
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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