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Buy any 6 bottles and save 5%. Buy any 12 bottles and save 10% (excludes wines on offer). Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Tel: 02922 337454
Buy any 6 bottles and save 5%. Buy any 12 bottles and save 10% (excludes wines on offer). Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Tel: 02922 337454
2021 `Plexus` Barossa Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvèdre, John Duval

2021 `Plexus` Barossa Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvèdre, John Duval

Barossa Valley, Australia

The Barossa Tapestry

Blackberry, mulberry and dark cherry rise from the glass, layered with liquorice, violet, cinnamon and savoury spice. A gentle thread of smoky French oak sits beneath the fruit, adding complexity without obscuring the blend’s natural fragrance.

Generous yet beautifully controlled, the palate combines ripe black and red fruit with bright acidity and fine, velvety tannins. Shiraz brings depth, Grenache provides perfume and freshness, while Mourvèdre adds earthy spice and structure. The finish is long, pure and quietly powerful, showing the balance and elegance of an exceptional Barossa vintage.

For when: A generous dinner calls for Barossa richness with a little more restraint.

Pairs with: Roast lamb shoulder, barbecued beef, venison, smoked aubergine, mushroom pie or mature Cheddar.

John Duval Wines was established in 2003 after John Duval completed 29 years at Penfolds, where he rose to Chief Winemaker and became custodian of Grange. His aim was not to recreate Penfolds, but to build a family estate focused on structured, elegant wines drawn from exceptional old Barossa vineyards. Plexus was the inaugural release and remains central to the story.

John is the sixth generation of his family to grow grapes in South Australia and the first to become a winemaker. His son Tim joined the business ahead of the 2016 vintage and now works alongside him across winemaking and estate management. Their long-standing relationships with Barossa growers provide access to low-yielding vineyards, some more than a century old.

The 2021 blend comprises 48% Shiraz, 28% Grenache and 24% Mourvèdre. The varieties came from selected sites across Krondorf, Ebenezer, Tanunda, Eden Valley and Light Pass. Each parcel was fermented separately in small open stainless-steel fermenters, with a portion of the Grenache fermented as whole bunches. The wine matured for 15 months in French oak, just 10% new, while some Grenache remained in tank to preserve fragrance and freshness. Alcohol: 14.5%.

Whats in the bottle
48% Shiraz, 28% Grenache and 24% Mourvèdre

Notable Awards
96 Points, Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal

£31.50 - £31.50
£31.50
£31.50 - £31.50
£31.50
Availability:
In stock

John Duval Wines was established in 2003 after John Duval completed 29 years at Penfolds. During his time there, he rose to the position of Chief Winemaker and became only the third winemaker entrusted with responsibility for Grange. His own project gave him the freedom to work directly with growers and express the character of exceptional old Barossa vineyards through a more personal style.

John is the sixth generation of his family to grow grapes in South Australia and the first to become a winemaker. Rather than recreate the Penfolds style, he built his reputation around elegant, structured wines that combine Barossa generosity with freshness and restraint. Long-standing relationships with growers provide access to low-yielding vineyards, some more than a century old.

Plexus was the estate’s inaugural wine and remains central to its identity. John’s son Tim joined the family business ahead of the 2016 vintage and now works alongside his father across winemaking and estate management. Together, they continue to refine a range defined by vineyard provenance, careful blending and finely judged oak.

The 2021 Plexus combines 48% Shiraz, 28% Grenache and 24% Mourvèdre. The Shiraz was sourced from old vineyards in Krondorf, Ebenezer and Tanunda. Grenache came from Ebenezer, Tanunda and the Eden Valley, while the Mourvèdre was grown in Ebenezer and Light Pass.

Each parcel was fermented separately in small, open stainless-steel fermenters using submerged caps. A portion of the Grenache was fermented as whole bunches to enhance fragrance and savoury complexity.

The wine matured for 15 months in French oak. Only 10% was new fine-grained French oak hogsheads, with the remainder held in seasoned hogsheads and puncheons. A portion of the Grenache remained in tank to preserve freshness and aromatic lift.

The mild 2021 growing season allowed the grapes to ripen steadily, producing excellent colour, flavour intensity and mature tannins while retaining vibrancy. Alcohol: 14.5%.