John Duval Plexus Red 2014
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The Shiraz was sourced from old vineyards in the Tanunda, Krondorf, and Ebenezer districts, Grenache from the Tanunda and Ebenezer region, and Mourvèdre from the Light Pass region. A true reflection of Barossa’s soil and climate, Plexus expresses complex aromas and flavors combining red and dark fruits with savory notes. The palate is framed by youthful fine tannins and subtle savory French oak adds structure and complexity.
Blend: 47% Shiraz, 32% Grenache, 21% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A sophisticated, spicy mix of date bread, cherry compote and clove flavors. Plump and velvety, with persistence and harmony on the finish. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2026.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Plexus (a Shiraz, Grenache. Mourvèdre blend) is a little youthfully reticent, offering glimpses at black raspberry and mulberry aromas plus licorice, cracked black pepper, earth and lavender. Medium to full-bodied and still very primary in the mouth, it has a great intensity of red and black fruit flavors supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: With more than three decades under his belt, the long-standing and talented John Duvall continues to make some of the best wines in the world. The 2014 John Duvall Wines Plexus—a blend of 47% Shiraz, 32% Grenache, and 21% Mourvèdre—is a red blend that would give the French southern Rhône guys a run for their money. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows excellent richness and balance. Its ripe black fruits, accents of dust, and savory spices make it an excellent pairing choice with grilled lamb chops. (Tasted: July 18, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
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2020-
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John Duval is one of Australia's most highly regarded winemakers. Raised on a South Australian farm with three generations of grape growers before him, his vinous path was fated. However, it was during his 28-year tenure with Penfolds that his passion for the famed Barossa Valley flourished. As Chief Winemaker and custodian of Australia's most famous wine, Grange, he was instrumental in establishing Penfolds as one of the world's great wineries. His accolades include being named UK Wine and Spirit Competition's International Winemaker of the Year, Red Winemaker of the Year (twice) and receiving Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year award. In 2003, John embarked on his own label, John Duval Wines, inspired by the best of the Barossa Valley's low-yielding, old vine vineyards. With a deft touch he crafts intense wines that are as complex and distinctive as the diverse terroir of his treasured Barossa Valley.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.