New Barossa Shows Great Diversity
JamesSuckling.com
January, 2015
by Nick Stock
JOHN DUVAL 2012 ENTITY SHIRAZ
SCORE: 96 PTS
TASTING NOTES:
This is, I think, the best edition of this carefully assembled Shiraz composed of parcels selected from Krondorf, Ebenezer, Greenock and the Eden Valley. The nose is ripe and mellow, giving up layers of rich blackberry and Angelina-plum fruit. There’s a wealth of spices and a soulful, earthy depth, as well as an ever-so-slightly-smoky, tarry edge. The palate is smoothly honed and focuses on a dense mid-palate presence that holds plenty of bright blackberry and plum flavors. Deceptively sturdy tannins carry hauntingly throughout – shadowy and in the background; they will underpin some considerable cellaring given the chance. But drinking very well already. Full credit to the masterful Duval. Drink in 2018.
JOHN DUVAL 2012 PLEXUS
SCORE: 94 PTS
TASTING NOTES:
Duval’s regional red, which melds Shiraz, Grenache and, Mourvèdre together seamlessly, is a stunning rendition in the 2012 vintage. The Barossan origin is strong in all aspects of the wine, which shows deep blackberries and other red fruits on the nose in addition to some gently earthy and tarry meat accents, hints of nutty oak and a sense of vibrant ripeness. The palate delivers redder than expected fruit flavors. Grenache speaks strong here. Tannins are soft, supple and layered, and the wine occupies every corner of the mouth. Starts bright, builds full, finishes long, fades slow. Drink now.