HEAD Wines Heart & Home Shiraz Blend 2022

A classic dry-red style that lands firmly in the great value bistro wine spectrum. A shiraz with just a splash of cabernet sauvignon, and one that shows a deep colour and an equally deep fruit set. Black cherry, blackberry and dark plum tones are supported by hints of brown spice, licorice, dark chocolate, violets and earth. Savoury and darkly fruited on the palate, with a meaty edge, silty tannins and a medium-length finish. It makes for great drinking at a sharp price. Points: 91/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 3rd Sep 2025

The old Barossa reds were not the blockbuster monsters which are so popular today but rather, sought out a path of drinkability, while never sacrificing flavour. This is a welcome return to the past. There is 15% Cabernet Sauvignon included in the blend, which underwent a two week ferment with wild yeasts. Maturation was in a range of formats with 10% being new French oak. The fruit came from a range of Barossa sub-regions – Bethany, Greenock, Nuriootpa and Krondorf. 1,000 cases. Mauve/magenta in colour, the nose offers notes of blackberries, herbs, plums, mulberries, chocolate, coffee beans and mocha. A lingering finish with sleek tannins ties things together. Good focus here, and fine balance. This is indeed a more elegant style, but it lacks absolutely nothing in flavour. Apparently, Alex must have recently won Gold Lotto. Otherwise, why on earth would he be giving this away at such an amazingly cheap price. Points: 93/100

Wine Pilot ∙ 7th Jun 2025