John Duval - Plexus Barossa Valley Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre 2008

Wine Advocate #192 Dec 2010 - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The 2008 Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre is a decidedly Shiraz dominant version of this classic blend. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives an abundance of Indian spice aromas – cumin seed, fenugreek and cloves - over raspberry cordial, preserved blackberry, dusty earth, powdered cinnamon and moss covered tree bark. The full-bodied palate displays the elegance of this blend in its effortless harmony, offering a medium-high level of very fine tannins, crisp acid and ample opulent flesh with a long finish. Drink it now to 2018+. With 35 years in the winemaking business under his belt, nearly 30 of which were spent making Grange and developing the RWT label at Penfolds, John Duval is a bit of an Australian wine legend. And that was before he set out making his own wines in 2003. “After 35 years in the business, I know who the best growers are,” he informed me when we were discussing the sources for his fruit. He’s wasted no time laying his hands of some pretty amazing grapes to craft into his own style. Entity and Plexus are hot tips for labels to follow and currently sit at very sensible prices. In 2008 Duval started picking his Shiraz in early February, meaning his fruit was in before the heat-wave hit that year and it shows in these his very impressive reds.

Tasted Sept 2011 - Mid crimson. Complete and spicy and very southern Rhône like. Good grunt (not simple). About 50% Shiraz. Some really good old bushvine Grenache. Lots of blackberry compote.

Web only 2010 - Bright and jazzy, with a smoky edge to the tart blackberry and cherry flavors, picking up a licorice note on the finish. Has complexity and balance, and cellaring should bring it all together. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Best from 2012 through 2018. 1,000 cases imported. –HS

Jul/Aug 2010 by Josh Raynolds - Inky ruby. Expressive black raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by black and white pepper and incense. A floral note comes up air and carries onto the palate, joining sweet red and dark berry preserve flavors and undertones of anise and candied rose. A hint of candied flowers lingers on a very long, sappy finish. I'd have no problem drinking this now. For a wine from a ripe vintage this is quite elegant.

Fresh and alive mint and dense black fruit aroma. Some spicy, earthy opulence on the palate with beautiful freshness and length. Rich and plush style denoting terroir.

Purple-red; Barossa Valley blends of Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre seldom have the poise, conviction or richness of this wine; the flavours are multilayered yet not the least jammy, the tannins particularly good, the length all one can ask for.

There's plenty to like in this three-way blend, with classic red grenache fruits standing proud on the nose, some more dark-fruited shiraz below and a layer of sweet earth and spice that says 'Barossa'. The palate's supple and even - really nicely blended and approachable. I just feel the heat's kicked some of the vitality out of this. Nicely weighted, ripe tannins throughout. I his will drink well now and be an interesting prospect to age - expect meat and leather in a few years.

This slightly opaque dark ruby colored wine opens with an attractive black raspberry bouquet with a hint boysenberry and pomegranate. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and very smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty blackberry with some gentle oak and black raspberry blended in. There was also a dash of black pepper detected. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins are friendly. This very tasty Aussie red blend would pair perfectly with barbecue steak tips. Enjoy – Ken