Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2012 Head Wines The Redhead Shiraz

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Is this the final episode of Alex Head’s ‘hair-colour trilogy’ or will we see a Blue Rinse Shiraz, or even a Mousy Brown? All the vibrancy of the 2012 vintage is on display. Quite slinky, silky and peppery. Tremendous depth … Continue reading →

Posted in Eden Valley, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 Head Wines The Contrarian Shiraz

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

From Moculta in the north of the Eden Valley. The most savoury and dry of the gang. Blossoms with a lengthy decant…or three days of tasting. Smells and tastes of juicy blackberries and boysenberry, potpourri and violets, dark chocolate and … Continue reading →

Posted in Eden Valley, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 2 Comments

2013 Head Wines Head Red Shiraz

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

The 2012 was more to my tastes but that doesn’t detract from this vintage at all. Raspberries and kirsch over black fruits. Barossan generosity, just under full-bodied with quality tannic structure for the price. Savoury dark chocolate and nuances of … Continue reading →

Posted in Barossa, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 2 Comments

2012 Byrne Family Limited Release Grenache

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Production of 110 dozen sourced from Clare Valley bush vines ranging between thirty and eighty years of age. Around the medium-bodied mark with dark red berry-cherry fruit, sarsaparilla, charcoal overtones of black Cyprus salt and malt. Minty refreshment. The acidity … Continue reading →

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2013 Church Road Chardonnay

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Build me up buttercup Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. It could really be from anyway though. Lots of winemaking input, generic fruit profile. And exactly the sort of expression that many consumers wished was back in vogue. Loads of … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand | Tagged | 3 Comments

2013 Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

With vines planted in 1858 this easily meets the ‘Ancestor Vine’ criteria under the Barossa Old Vine Charter. 100% whole bunch. Perfume, structure and depth. Dense raspberry and purple fruit, lavender and Indian spice. Slightly sweeter and more jubey than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Eden Valley, Grenache | Tagged | 2 Comments

2013 Head Wines Old Vine Grenache

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Once again, the same 70 odd year-old vineyard in Krondorf at the heart of the Barossa has been utilised for the Head Wines Old Vine Grenache and to great effect. Forget your raspberry beret and be done with the idea … Continue reading →

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2014 Head Wines Eden Valley Riesling

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A step up from the very good 2013 release. Same vineyard at 400 metres altitude near Springton. Extremely floral. Citrus blossom, jasmine and a hint of rose water. An impressive line of flavour with lemons and limes segueing into melon … Continue reading →

Posted in Eden Valley, Riesling | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

The quality and value for money of the Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay might become monotonous if it weren’t for the vintage variations captured so deftly each year. We’re very much in the white peach and ruby grapefruit spectrum with this … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, Yarra Valley | Tagged | 1 Comment

2012 Twisted Gum Chardonnay

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

One can’t help but get the feeling that this is attempting to be Chablisesque. And I’ve never encountered an Australian wine that tastes like Chablis. Skinny, and positively bristling with slightly green acidity. Flavour is light on and centres on … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, Granite Belt | Tagged | 4 Comments