2018 John Duval Wines Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 750ml

Overview

The 2018 John Duval Wines Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre is a polished Barossa red blend built around freshness, savoury spice and fine tannin flow. Combining 49% Shiraz, 34% Grenache and 17% Mourvèdre, Plexus shows John Duval's skill in blending Rhône varieties into a balanced, medium-weight Barossa expression.

Vintage & Winemaking

The 2018 vintage followed above-average winter rainfall and slightly drier spring conditions. Warm October and November weather promoted healthy canopies, good flowering and a healthy set of bunches. Very dry summer conditions challenged growers, but excellent vineyard management preserved vine health and led to ideal ripening and harvest conditions through March and early April.

Fermentation took place with submerged caps in open fermenters and small stainless steel fermenters. The wine was 100% barrel matured, with the Shiraz component including some barrel fermentation in new French oak. Maturation included 25% new French oak hogsheads, with the balance in two-, three- and four-year-old French oak to preserve fruit purity while adding subtle oak complexity.

Product Highlights

• Classic Barossa Rhône-style blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre.
• 95 points from Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
• 49% Shiraz, 34% Grenache and 17% Mourvèdre.
• 100% barrel matured with 25% new French oak hogsheads.
• Drinking window through 2030.

Critic Scores & Reviews

95 Points - Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
"Expect a melody of red fruits lightly spiced with a fleck of herbs... Finishes fresh and buoyant." Published 21 June 2027.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Lifted, vibrant red fruits, cinnamon, woodsy spice and a hint of smoky oak.

Palate

Generous layers of red and black fruits, savoury spice and velvety tannins.

Finish

Long, pure, fresh and buoyant, with medium-weight balance and shapely tannins.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with beef and venison, beef stifado, tagine with couscous and harissa, grain-fed ribeye and other richly flavoured red meat dishes.

Cellaring Potential

Drink through 2030.

About John Duval Wines

John Duval Wines is led by John Duval, one of the Barossa's most respected winemakers. The estate focuses on expressive Barossa wines shaped by careful vineyard selection, restrained power, elegant fruit and balanced oak integration.

Specifications

• Producer: John Duval Wines
• Vintage: 2018
• Country: Australia
• Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
• Blend: 49% Shiraz, 34% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre
• Wine Style: Red Wine - Rich and Intense
• Oak Maturation: 100% barrel matured, 25% new French oak hogsheads
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• pH: 3.52
• Total Acidity: 6.24g/L
• Sweetness: Dry
• Bottle Size: 750ml