John Duval, Plexus Barossa Valley Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre
PL Award 1: SILVER - DWWA 2016
Country: Australia Region: South Australia Vintage: 2020
Category: Red Wine Color: Red
Producer: John Duval
"John Duval is a legendary name. As only the third winemaker to be entrusted with the making of Australia's most famous wine, Grange, John worked for Penfolds for 28 years (including 16 years as chief winemaker) until his departure in 2002. Despite his legendary status, John is a quiet, unassuming man who just happens to be one of the world's great winemakers. He set out on his own with the 2003 vintage, sourcing fruit from some long-time friends in the Barossa. 'Plexus' Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre and 'Entity' Shiraz have quickly established the reputation of this label.
The Shiraz for 'Plexus' is sourced from vineyards in the Krondorf, Marananga and Ebenezer regions, giving the wine lovely weight and depth. The Grenache is from old bush vines in the Ebenezer and Tanunda regions, which gives the wine great aromatics along with softness and richness on the palate, while the Mourvedre, from old bush vines from the Light Pass and Krondorf regions (the oldest is over a 100 years old), lends the wine a spicy character and good tannic structure.
'Entity' is sourced mainly from old Shiraz vineyards in the Krondorf, Tanunda and Lights Pass regions and in recent vintages has also included some Eden Valley Shiraz to promote the vibrancy and elegant expressions of the 'Entity' style. The 'Plexus' white, a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, was introduced in 2010 and is fast gaining the sort of reputation that John's reds have long enjoyed. Only made in the best years, the 'Eligo' Shiraz has the highest quality grapes selected from the vintage. The wine has 20 months of ageing in 75% new French oask hogsheads and 255 in older casks."
Winemaker: John Duval
Vineyards:
The Shiraz was sourced from old vineyards in the Tanunda, Krondorf and Ebenezer regions, Grenache from the Tanunda and Ebenezer region and Mourvèdre from the Light Pass region.
Vinification:
Fermentation with submerged cap occurred in both traditional old open and small stainless steel fermenters. The wine was then 100% barrel matured for 14 months, with just 8% new fine grain French oak hogsheads (300 litre barrels), and the remainder in three to six year old barrels. Some Shiraz finished fermentation in new French oak.
Tasting Notes:
Deep crimson, the 2017 Plexus has an attractive red and black fruit character with savoury undertones. Generous on the palate, with a soft texture and fine soft tannins.
Food Suggestion: Enjoy with rich meat dishes, particularly spiced coconut beef curries.
Closure: Stelvin ABV: 14.5% Acidity [g/l]: 6.4
