Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2020 14.5% 750ml

$109.00 $115.00

Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2020 14.5% 750ml

From a 162-year-old vineyard planted near Springton, Eden Valley, on brown and grey sandy loam over yellow clays. 10% whole-bunch fermented in stainless steel, no crushing or temperature control, natural yeasts, hand plunged and foot trodden twice daily for 2 weeks. Matured for 12 months in large, old oak barrels. Made with complete respect to the fruit and aiming above the great CNDP in terms of quality, balance and longevity.

Tasting Notes: From a single parcel of vines, planted in 1853 in Springton in the Eden Valley, this has a strikingly complex and fragrant nose with pepper, wild sage, gun flint, rose petals, pastry and orange peel, as well as redcurrants, raspberries, blueberries and red cherries. The palate has such fine, silky and elegant tannins that draw very long and chiseled. Raspberry and red-cherry flavors are cradled long, fresh and fine. Elegance and power. Superb grenache. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Expert Review:

James Halliday- 95 Points. From Springton, Eden Valley. Planted around 1858. Kudos to Alex Head for giving these grand old 1858 vines the space to speak eloquently for themselves, unencumbered by oak, alcohol or artefact. A pale-medium vibrant purple hue heralds’ purity and restraint of wild strawberries, black raspberries and fragrant rosehip. Fine-ground fruit tannins entwine with tangy, high Springton acidity to lay out a Great potential. Tyson Stelzer. James Halliday Wine Companion 2022, 13 August, 2021

Winemaker Alex Head's dream to make elegant Barossa wines began in 1999 while travelling through some of Europe's greatest wine growing regions, along with his longheld fascination with the synergy of good wine, fine food and happy company at the table. Head Wines is all that and more. Alex follows a traditional négociant model, an old practice where the winemaker does not grow their own grapes, instead working with a number of small growers. Around three-quarters of the grapes that end up in Head Wines' bottles are sourced from a carefully chosen selection of these elevated Eden Valley sites. All of these vineyards are farmed sustainably using organic principles where possible; yields are controlled and grapes are hand-picked. Not being tied to his own vineyards has allowed Alex to spend years understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a number of sites in pursuit of his individual style. Alex creates great Barossan wines that are memorably balanced whilst pursuing styles that are intentional and truly of place. This is sublime winemaking.

Variety: Grenache
Region: Barossa & Eden Valleys, South Australia
Winemaker: Alex Head