Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache Mataro 2015

By following a traditional négociant model, an old practice, Head wines work with a number of small growers over having their own vineyards. In turn, all available time is dedicated to the winemaking.

The grapes that end up in the bottles are from the carefully selected, elevated vineyards, all of these sites are farmed sustainably using organic principles where possible; yields are controlled and grapes are hand-picked. Just 1000 bottles are produced

From Stonegarden, a 160 year old vineyard planted near Springton at 400m altitude in the coldest, driest and most remote part of the Eden Valley. The vines struggle to yield 1/2 ton/acre on sandy loam over yellow clay and granite. Some whole-bunches are utilised in the fermentation.

"159yo vines. 50% grenache, 50% mataro. 10% whole bunches. Immense concentration and yet the flavours are bell clear. This puts the super into premium. It bursts cherries and berries onto the palate and then stamps earth, spices and assorted petals all over. It's dry, serious and joyous at once. There's a whip crack of tannin and rockets of flavour through the finish." 97pts - Campbell Mattinson - Wine Companion