John Duval Entity Shiraz 2018

Professional Ratings

• 95 James Suckling

  This is an amalgam of 48% Barossa and 52% Eden Valley parcels, an increased inclusion of Eden Valley material in the mix, which works well in this powerful vintage. The aromas are attractively spicy and complex with blackberries, blueberries and dark raspberries, as well as a dark stony edge and some violet-like florals. Lots here. The palate has a very intense core of such vivid blackberry flavors. Supple and velvety, very long and rich, the core of concentrated fruit here is impressive. Drink or hold.

• 92 Wine Spectator

  Dense dark chocolate notes give way to bright, fragrant and generous cherry and blackberry flavors, showcasing details of chai tea, black licorice and dried apricot. The intensity and toothsome tannins are appealing, as is the long, rich finish. Drink now through 2035.

• 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  Hints of cedar join mint, pepper and bold berry fruit on the nose of the 2018 Entity Shiraz. Boysenberry and blueberry notes round out the medium to full-bodied palate, filling in any gaps in the plush-textured tannins and lingering on the softly dusty finish. This is a classically styled Barossa Shiraz, drinkable now and for the next decade or more.

• 90 Wine Enthusiast

  This vintage is very much in its infancy, showing quite a bit of chocolaty oak and powerful tannins alongside the ripe fruit at the moment. The producer’s hallmark secondary characters are there, too, peeking through the cracks. With time the oak and tannins will integrate into the wine and those bay leaf, graphite, licorice and furniture polish nuances should seem more palpable. Drink 2025–2040.