John Duval "Entity" Shiraz 2021
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [JH 95] [VM 94] [JS 94] [WS 94] [WE 94]

Notes from the Winemaker:
John Duval began working with old vine Barossa Shiraz when he commenced his winemaking career at Penfolds in the early 1970’s. Through the 1990’s he played a leading role in trialling maturation of old vine Barossa Shiraz in new French oak hogsheads, contrary to the established winery convention of blending Shiraz from multiple regions and maturation in American oak. The early trials led to the first release of the Penfold’s RWT Barossa Shiraz from the 1997 vintage – a wine that marked a step change moment in the style evolution of Barossa Shiraz. John’s approach to making Barossa Shiraz continues unchanged, and maturation of selected parcels of old vine fruit in French oak is fundamental to producing Entity - an elegant Shiraz that is true to the Barossa.

About this Wine:
Sourced from old Shiraz vineyards in the Krondorf, Tanunda, Marananga, Ebenezer, Moppa, and Eden Valley regions comprising 75% Barossa Valley, 25% Eden Valley fruit. The parcels of fruit were fermented separately in small stainless steel fermenters some with submerged caps, and twice daily pump overs. Post ferment, the component wines were matured in oak for 15 months, with 25% in new fine grain French oak hogsheads (300L) and the balance in older French hogsheads and puncheons.

Tasting Notes:
NOSE: Attractive notes of violets, dark berries and plum supported by hints of licorice and a floral lift.
PALATE: Bright layers of focused red and blue fruits with hints of dark chocolate and peppery spice, finishing long with fine sheets of silky tannins

Ratings & Reviews:

95 Points - James Halliday Australian Wine Companion:
"Shiraz sourced from old vineyards in the Barossa (Krondorf, Tanunda, Marananga, Ebenezer and Moppa) and the Eden Valley. Vibrant and pure at heart with deep black plum, black cherry and boysenberry fruits, plentiful exotic spice, violets, licorice and wafts of light cedar and vanillin oak. Impressive fruit depth, sandy tannin support and long, plush finish of spicy black fruits and earth." (May 2023)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"This 2021 Shiraz Entity is beautifully composed and sleek, with an engaging energy and brightness of fruit. There is outstanding detail in the form of white pepper, cloves, cocoa and woodsmoke aromas with excellent oak integration. Superb flavor precision follows with layers of blackberry and chocolate and a gentle violet lift underpinned by a core of fine yet firm tannins driving through to a long, soaring finish, The 2021 is an exceptional and brilliant value." - AH (June 2023)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A big and rich wine but it shows freshness and energy underneath the juicy and rather thick fruit with plush tannins. Some chewiness, too. Needs two or three years to soften. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (Oct 2022)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Aromatic and complex, with a plush, velvety quality to the blackberry, spiced plum and violet details. Reveals huckleberry, black cherry and bittersweet chocolate accents on the long, expressive finish, where details of fresh laurel bay leaf and Earl Grey tea linger." - MW (Nov 2023)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Plump blood plum and juicy blackberry aromas are underscored with bay leaf and peppery spice. The succulent dark berry fruit takes front and center on the palate, creating a luscious mouthfeel that's tightened by a gentle tug of spicy tannins and fresh acidity. Classic South Aussie Shiraz sprinkled with Duval style." - Christina Pickard (Apr 2024)