Alex Head RED GSM 2022
- 92
- $30
- Drink by: 2026-2034
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The split for this delicious GSM blend, a tradition in both the Rhone Valley in France and regions such as the Barossa in South Australia, is 60% Grenache with 20% each of the remaining two varieties, Shiraz and Mataro. The Grenache comes from a range of old bush vine vineyards across the Barossa and spent time in large old foudre. The Shiraz is from the Eden Valley, and the Mataro comes from a 60-year-old block in Nuriootpa. Alex included 10% whole bunches in the fermentation which was with native yeasts. 1,500 cases. Bright garnet with a pale crimson rim, strawberries and cherries stand out on the nose. There is support with notes of chocolate, warm soil, leather, coffee grinds and kirsch. A wine with bright acidity, medium length and fine silky tannins, it should continue to provide pleasure for at least the next seven to eight years. A lovely example of this style of blend from the Barossa.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
