Winemaker Notes
The aim with Plexus MRV is to promote a vibrant expression of fruit aromas from the interactionof the three varieties; and on the palate, to build structure and texture, rather than just acidcrispness. The nose has lifted aromas of stone fruits and citrus. The palate is medium bodiedwith flavors of mandarin, pear and Asian spice. The wine finishes with lingering citrus notesand minimal acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This very first vintage of 2010 Plexus Blanc is a blend of 62% Marsanne, 26% Roussanne and 13% Viognier. It has a pretty honeysuckle and orange blossom scented nose with peaches, poached pears and a suggestion of white pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate has wonderfully pure stone fruit and fennel seed flavors with medium-high acid and a nice silky texture going long into the finish. It’s drinking beautifully now and should have some capacity to develop a honeyed / toasty character over the next 4-6 years.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
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.