John Duval "Plexus" GSM Red 2020
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [WS 94] [JH 94] [WE 93] [WA 92]
Regular price $49.00 Sale price $35.99 Save $13.01
My aim with Plexus is to express the wide spectrum of red fruit flavors from Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre and also provide structure with a seamless balance and long finish. Traditional, low intervention winemaking techniques are employed allowing the wine to be approachable in its youth, but also cellar for 8-10 years.
About this Wine:
The Shiraz was sourced from old vineyards in the Krondorf, Ebenezer and Tanunda regions, Grenache from Ebenezer, Tanunda and Eden Valley regions and Mourvèdre from Ebenezer and Light Pass regions. The parcels of fruit were fermented separately with a submerged cap in small open stainless-steel fermenters. A portion of the Grenache ferment included whole bunches to accentuate the savoury aspects of the variety. Barrel maturated for 15 months, with 10% new fine grain French oak hogsheads (300 litre barrels); with the balance seasoned hogsheads and puncheons. A portion of Grenache was aged in tank to promote freshness. The final blend assemblage comprised. Shiraz (48%), Grenache (28%) and Mourvèdre (24%).
Tasting Notes
NOSE: Lifted aromatics with vibrant black fruits of cherry, blackberry and mulberry with underlying notes of cinnamon, woodsy spice and a hint of smokey oak
PALATE: Generous layers of black and red fruits, balanced with elegant savoury spice and fine, velvety tannins, bright acidity ensuring it finishes long and pure.
Ratings & Reviews:
94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Complex, rich and elegant, showing notes of espresso, Kalamata olive, salted black licorice and spiced plum on a plush frame, with hints of dark chocolate. Reveals black walnut liqueur, wild blackberry and huckleberry flavors that linger on the long, peppery finish. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035. 2,000 cases imported." - MW
94 Points - James Halliday Australian Wine Companion:
An impressive 49/35/16% shiraz/grenache/mourvedre (from a 'who's who' of the best subregions in the Barossa Valley) made by ex-Grange winemaker, John Duval. Gorgeously perfumed with red cherry, raspberry and mulberry fruits flecked with floral notes of violets and jasmine with hints of ginger cake, red licorice, earth, cola and crushed stone. There is a lively acid cadence, superfine powdery tannins and an array of gingery spice and red fruit that fans out nicely on the finish. A bargain.
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
In Duval's distinctive style, this is a rich, polished and highly spicy wine, with tart red plums, cherry, a sumac-spiced tang, white pepper, mocha and olive brine. The satiny mouthfeel is full but not overtly rich. Tannins take a firm supporting role, letting the plump fruit and spice take center stage. There's a touch of alcohol heat.
92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
Delicious. The 2020 Plexus is resinous and charry on opening—the succulent fruit starts to flower with some additional time in the glass. The 2020 season was the second of drought conditions in the Barossa and was shaped by incredibly low yields. As it happens, many of the 2020s I have tasted have been excellent quality, as this is. Concentration 101.