2022 Head Old Vine Shiraz

 Outstanding Value - 95 Points Old Vine Excellence

Premium Barossa Valley Old Vine Shiraz

Critical Recognition

95 Points - Exceptional Quality

"Premium old vine Barossa Valley Shiraz from Head Wines, showcasing the depth and complexity of ancient vines. This exceptional wine demonstrates the remarkable quality that old vines produce, delivering concentrated flavours with excellent structure and the distinctive character of mature Barossa vineyards that have witnessed over a century of Australian winemaking history."

The 2022 Head Old Vine Shiraz represents the pinnacle of what ancient Barossa vines can achieve when combined with masterful winemaking. With 95 points confirming its exceptional quality, this wine showcases the extraordinary depth, complexity, and concentrated character that only old vines can deliver. Head Wines has built their reputation on creating distinctive Barossa Valley wines that honor the region's precious old vine heritage, and this release stands as testament to their commitment to preserving and showcasing these irreplaceable viticultural treasures. The ancient vines, with their deep root systems and naturally low yields, produce fruit of remarkable concentration and complexity that is simply impossible to replicate from younger plantings.

 Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep, inky purple-black with excellent concentration and pronounced viscosity, displaying the remarkable intensity and quality of old vine fruit with brilliant clarity and a dense, almost opaque core

Aroma: Powerful and extraordinarily complex bouquet of ripe blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry, interwoven with layers of dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla bean, and the distinctive earthy complexity that comes from century-old vines. Secondary notes of licorice, leather, tobacco, cedar, and subtle exotic spice add remarkable dimension and sophistication

Palate: Full-bodied with exceptional concentration and magnificent structure, displaying the remarkable depth and intensity that old vines deliver. Layers of concentrated dark fruit, blackberry compote, and plum unfold across the palate, complemented by notes of dark chocolate, mocha, and coffee. Fine-grained, silky tannins provide excellent structure, while the distinctive mineral backbone that comes from deep-rooted ancient vines adds complexity and length. Perfectly balanced acidity ensures this wine is both powerful and elegant

Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, extending well beyond a minute with beautifully integrated oak, concentrated fruit character, and the distinctive earthy complexity that earned this wine 95 points. The finish showcases remarkable depth and sophistication

 Wine Details

• Vintage: 2022
• Variety: 100% Shiraz
• Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
• Vineyard: Old Vine (100+ years)
• Producer: Head Wines
• Winemaker: Head Wines Team
• Rating: 95 Points
• Alcohol: 14.5-15.0%
• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
• Cellaring: Drink now or cellar for 15-25 years

 Food Pairings

• Dry-aged ribeye steak with herb butter and roasted garlic - the wine's power matches perfectly
• Slow-braised beef short ribs with red wine reduction - complements rich, intense flavors
• Venison medallions with juniper and blackberry sauce - honors the wine's complexity
• Aged hard cheeses including vintage cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano - enhances depth
• Lamb shoulder with rosemary, garlic, and red wine jus - classic Barossa pairing
• Dark chocolate desserts with espresso and coffee notes - matches concentrated character

 Producer Background

Head Wines has established itself as one of Barossa Valley's most distinctive producers, with an unwavering commitment to creating wines that showcase the region's exceptional old vine resources. Their philosophy centers on preserving and highlighting these ancient vineyards, ensuring that the remarkable character and complexity of old vine fruit is captured and celebrated in every bottle. The winery's dedication to working with some of Barossa's oldest and most precious vineyard sites has earned them critical acclaim and recognition as custodians of Australia's viticultural heritage. The 95-point score confirms their exceptional skill in working with these irreplaceable viticultural treasures.

 Regional Character

Barossa Valley's old vines represent some of Australia's most precious and irreplaceable viticultural heritage, with many vineyards dating back well over a century to the earliest days of Australian winemaking. These ancient vines, having survived phylloxera, drought, and countless vintages, have developed extraordinarily deep root systems that can reach 20-30 meters into the earth, accessing water and nutrients unavailable to younger vines. The naturally low yields from these venerable vines - often less than 2 tons per acre - produce fruit of extraordinary concentration, complexity, and character. The combination of Barossa's warm continental climate, ancient red-brown earth soils, and these century-old vines creates wines of exceptional power, depth, and longevity that are simply impossible to replicate from younger plantings.

 Value & Investment

At this price point, this 95-point old vine Barossa Shiraz represents outstanding value for wines of this exceptional caliber and precious provenance. Old vine wines from respected Barossa producers typically command significantly higher prices, often exceeding double this amount for comparable quality. The combination of critical acclaim, ancient vine provenance, and proven aging potential makes this both an exceptional drinking experience and a smart investment for wine lovers seeking the distinctive character and complexity that only century-old vines can deliver. This is the kind of wine that belongs in every serious cellar.

Experience 95-point old vine excellence - Head Wines delivers exceptional Barossa Shiraz with remarkable depth, ancient vine complexity, and outstanding value that punches well above its price point!