John Duval Plexus GSM Barossa 2019 (750ml)

 

Rated 93 Points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

Whether it's the extra year in bottle or the different conditions experienced in 2019 compared to 2020, this 2019 Plexus is slightly more savory, more seamless and softer.  This really has it all... the dark chocolate, black cherry, raspberry pip, tobacco char and hung deli meat in each and every mouthful.  Very nicely done.  Best After 2022

 

Rated 93 Points by Wine Enthusiast

 

This offers the distinctive savory spiced, highly herbal bouquet typical to Duval's South Aussie red blends.  Showing a touch of bottle age already, this drinks well now, offering heady aromas of ground white and black pepper, graphite, chocolate, red-currant jam, and preserved plums.  The palate is powerful but fresh.  Tannins are chalky and chunky, with garrigue-like herbs lingering on the long finish.

 

Rated 92 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Perfumed, with elegant notes of plumeria and violet that add an aromatic lift to the core of savory toasted herb, tobacco, loam and cola notes.  This has appealing velvety tannins and plenty of harmony on the finish.  Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

 

Rated 92 Points by James Suckling

 

This has a red-plum and blackberry mix on the nose and palate with a gently herbal edge and orange peel.  Medium body, plenty of rich red-fruit flavor and a smooth, pastry-like tannin texture.  A blend of 45% shiraz, 32% grenache and 23% mourvedre.

 

John Duval Plexus GSM Barossa 2019

 

An intricate or interwoven combination of elements into a coherent structure.

 

A classic Barossa blend crafted from our resource of old vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

 

Blend:  45% Shiraz, 32% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre

 

Four generations of my family have been vignerons in South Australia.  Over three decades in the Barossa I was given the opportunity to make Australia’s most famous wine.  The inspiration from the Barossa’s best old vine low yielding Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre vineyards, created Plexus; “combining elements into a coherent structure.”  Ancient, illustrious vineyards combined with meticulous, traditional winemaking, and fifteen months in the best French oak will ensure the age worthiness of this celebrated blend.

 

Alcohol:  14.5%

 

 

John Duval Wines

 

For over 100 years our family supplied grapes to South Australia’s best winemakers. Knowledge of the vineyard handed down through five generations, allied with a 30 year career at the pinnacle of Australian winemaking, are the foundations of John Duval Wines. Each wine made from fruit sourced exclusively from exceptional old Barossa vineyards, our distinctive style defined by elegance and structure.

 

The Family Farm

 

Established in the second half of the 19th century at Morphett Vale to the south of Adelaide, five generations of the Duval family managed their vineyards and operated a world famous sheep stud.  The vineyards supplied Shiraz grapes and vine cuttings to Penfolds, setting in place the directional markers of John Duval’s future - to become the first family member to transition from growing grapes to making wine.

 

The Penfolds Years

 

John Duval graduated from Adelaide University’s Roseworthy College in 1973, and secured a coveted winemaking role with Penfolds for the 1974 vintage.  Over the next 12 years John was mentored by Grange creator Max Schubert and Penfolds Chief Winemaker Don Ditter, before himself assuming the position of Chief Winemaker in 1986.  In doing so, John became only the third Chief Winemaker responsible for producing Australia’s greatest red wine – Penfolds Grange.

 

In addition to being charged with custodianship of Grange and legendary wines such as Bin 707, Bin 389 and St Henri, John initiated a number of exciting new wines which are now standard features of the Penfolds collection, including Bin 138 (Shiraz Grenache Mourvédre) and Bin 407 (Cabernet Sauvignon).  Of particular note was Penfolds ‘RWT’ Shiraz, made entirely from old vine Barossa Shiraz using French oak, and an early indication of John’s winemaking direction post Penfolds.

 

The Next Chapter

 

After 29 years at Penfolds John sensed the need to embark on a personal wine project.  A new challenge that would allow him to be involved first hand from vineyard to glass, and provide an opportunity to build something for his family.  John Duval Wines began in 2003 with a single wine, the inaugural vintage of Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvédre.  A second wine was added in 2004 - Entity, made entirely from Barossa Shiraz, followed in 2005 by a reserve Shiraz – Eligo.  The first white Plexus, a blend of Marsanne Roussanne and Viognier, was released from the 2010 vintage, with Annexus Grenache (2013) and Annexus Mataro (2016) created to showcase exceptional small parcels of heritage varietals that define Barossa as one of the world’s great wine regions.

 

Rather than seeking to simply emulate Penfolds, the aim of John Duval Wines is to perpetuate the story of a South Australian wine family through a collection of structured and elegant wines made from fruit grown in exceptional old Barossa vineyards.

 

The World of Wine

 

John Duval also continues to be involved in long term wine projects with Chilean winemaker Vina Ventisquero, and Washington State’s Longshadows.

 

The Future

 

Ahead of the 2016 vintage, John Duval Wines welcomed a second generation as eldest son Tim joined the family wine business working alongside his father.  Having worked a number of vintages, and then in wine retail whilst he studied, Tim returns to wine following 7 years practicing as a lawyer in Adelaide.

 

 

Rated 93 Points by Wine Enthusiast

 

This offers the distinctive savory spiced, highly herbal bouquet typical to Duval's South Aussie red blends.  Showing a touch of bottle age already, this drinks well now, offering heady aromas of ground white and black pepper, graphite, chocolate, red-currant jam, and preserved plums.  The palate is powerful but fresh.  Tannins are chalky and chunky, with garrigue-like herbs lingering on the long finish.

 

 

 

Rated 92 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Perfumed, with elegant notes of plumeria and violet that add an aromatic lift to the core of savory toasted herb, tobacco, loam and cola notes.  This has appealing velvety tannins and plenty of harmony on the finish.  Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre.