John Duval's goal with Plexus is to express
the wide spectrum of red fruit flavors from Shiraz,
Grenache and Mourvedre, but also provide structure
with a seamless balance and long finish. A low percentage
of new oak adds complexity rather than dominating the
berry fruit. Traditional, low-intervention winemaking
techniques are employed with Plexus, allowing the wine
to be approachable in its youth, but also
have great potential for improvement in the bottle
under good cellaring conditions for at least 8-10 years.
Composition
is Shiraz 50%, Grenache 34%, Mourvedre 16%.
Shiraz grapes were sourced from vineyards in
the Stockwell, Light Pass, Ebenezer and Marananga
regions. Grenache grapes were sourced from
50-60 year old bush vines from Stockwell, Light
Pass
and
the Rowland
Flat regions. Mourvedre grapes were sourced from
old bush vines, the oldest over 100 years old,
from
the
Light Pass
and Angaston regions.
The
color is vibrant, deep crimson red-purple. The
nose shows fragrant spices and combines an array
of red fruits and subtle oak. The consistent palate
yields a flavorsome compote of red fruits, black
fruits and a variety
of spices. Ripe, fine tannins and good concentration
provide structure, length and
a seamless balance.
Earlier
vintages of Plexus have garnered terrific reviews
and we expect more of the same from this latest
Duval release.
The
Barossa Valley is primarily known for its red wine,
in particular Shiraz (Syrah). Other main grape
varieties grown in the region include Riesling,
Semillon, Grenache
and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also some fantastic
fortified wines traditionally produced in the region.
The soil in the Barossa Valley varies considerably
– from deep sandy soils on the sloping areas to sandy
loam and heavy red-brown clay soils on the flats.
This area has winter dominant rainfall with high
summer evaporation. It is classified as being warm
to moderately continental. Very hot weather in February
and March can place stress on the vines at the end
of the ripening cycle resulting in concentrated flavors.
John Duval's goal with Plexus is to express
the wide spectrum of red fruit flavors from Shiraz,
Grenache and Mourvedre, but also provide structure
with a seamless balance and long finish. A low percentage
of new oak adds complexity rather than dominating the
berry fruit. Traditional, low-intervention winemaking
techniques are employed with Plexus, allowing the wine
to be approachable in its youth, but also
have great potential for improvement in the bottle
under good cellaring conditions for at least 8-10 years.
The
Barossa Valley is primarily known for its red wine,
in particular Shiraz (Syrah). Other main grape
varieties grown in the region include Riesling,
Semillon, Grenache
and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also some fantastic
fortified wines traditionally produced in the region.