John Duval Wines Plexus Red 2022

Tasting Note

This blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre opens with lifted aromatics of vibrant red and black fruits, layered with hints of cinnamon, woodsy spice and a gentle trace of sweet oak. Shiraz brings dark fruit richness, Grenache adds bright aromatics and lift, while Mourvèdre contributes savoury structure. The palate is generous and layered, framed by fine tannins, spice and bright acidity that carries through to a long, pure finish.

Awards & Accolades

95 Points
The Vintage Journal 

Deep crimson. Intense musky plum, dark cherry aromas with lifted floral notes. Smooth and velvety wine with abundant musky dark plummy, dark cherry fruits, grainy textures and integrated roasted walnut, mocha notes. Lovely density and vigour.
- Andrew Caillard MW

94 Points
Halliday Wine Companion

Lovely dark plum and boysenberry fruits with hints of cherry clafoutis, dark chocolate, roasting meats, clover blossom, softly spoken cedar and vanillin and earth. Supple and pure with fine gravelly tannins and a minerally cadence showing plum, spice and mocha tones at the tail. 
- Dave Brookes

94 Points
The Wine Front

Blackberry, dark cherry, cocoa, baking spices, freshly lathed wood, something a little exotic in the mix too with its discreet incense-like perfume. It’s medium to full-bodied, plush and fleshy, with grainy dark chocolate tannin, and a rich plummy finish of excellent length and powdery grip. 
- Gary Walsh 

93 Points
Vinous

Superb fruit purity. While starting a little shy, it builds momentum with time. Old leather and roasted spices and meats begin before plummy richness builds and offers strong support. This is elegance personified, and it has a lovely lightness of touch throughout, although with solid tannins in support.
- Angus Hughson 

The Story 

Our affinity for working with old vine Barossa Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvédre began with John’s time at Penfolds, and continues with this wine - the first to be released by John Duval Wines’ from our inaugural vintage in 2003. The aim of Plexus is to express a wide spectrum of fruit flavours, whilst ensuring seamless integration of the contrasting characters of the three varietals. Shiraz provides rich dark fruits and mid palate weight, whilst Grenache delivers a bright flavour spectrum of red fruits and spiced notes. Old vine Mourvèdre is integral to the blend, ensuring a good firm backbone of savoury tannin and a long finish.