Head Wines (excellent) 2014 Contrarian Shiraz

Head Wines The Contrarian Shiraz 2014

The world would be a boring place without contrarians. All that agreement becomes unhelpful after a while. I’m reminded of the late Jeremy Pringle on that note; a wine writer who was also a proud contrarian. We need more like ‘im.

We need more wines like this too. Well, the world could always do with great wines, and this is v. good.

Previously Alex Head has used Eden Valley fruit for this contrarian of a wine, but drought, then frost and more drove him elsewhere. Indeed, this comes from Marananga, which is less of a contrarian spot for great Barossa Shiraz. More tried and true. This vintage sees less whole bunch at that, which was the other point of difference.

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Interestingly, if still retains a spiciness though, which I dig. More spice! Dark purple red, the dark fruit nose is very concentrated and closed but super stylish. Brooding and REAL. There is black jelly beans, purple jelly beans, and blueberries over a savoury, raw, and youthful palate that is all coiled power.

That purple/black western Barossa fruit drives the show here, but with a spicy dryness too and firm, dry tannins. Superb. Long and savoury, it’s way too young and a bit raw (I wouldn’t drink it yet) but gosh this has some power and swagger. My score is a bit conservative as its still youthful. But add on more with time.

Yes.