One of the most widely-known stories in Australian wine is ex-Penfolds Chief Winemaker John Duval heading out on his own to establish John Duval Wines in 2003. John was the Chief Winemaker at Penfolds from 1986-2002 and we have him to thank for some of the greatest wines this country has ever made (We're looking at you 1990, 1991, 1996 and 1998 Grange!)
The core-range Plexus white and red, Entity Shiraz, and top Shiraz 'Eligo' will be on show, as well as their small batch range "Annexus" (only 200-300 cases made of each), under which they make a very compelling edition of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. We're thrilled to be joined this Saturday (22nd) from 12pm-2pm by Tim Duval, John's son.
Tim took over the winemaking full-time a few years ago, and the transition has been absolutely silky smooth. The wines are truly stellar, and we think the value is compelling. For the patient among us, the wines repay aging extremely well, indeed the inaugural 2003 Plexus is a stunningly great drink today!
John Duval Wines - Specials + Tasting (Saturday 22nd June from 12 to 2pm)
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Plexus White Blend 2023 - $28 on special; $32 RRP
Marsanne (41%), Roussanne (34%), Viognier (25%)
"Such fine balance between zip and gloss, flavor and restraint. Ripe lemon, ginger, green pear, honey florals. Light to medium-bodied, green pear and citrus, almond and ginger, a little chalky grip, with a juicy but tangy finish, a cinch of lemon zest bitterness. Lovely wine, and it seems that 2023 has delivered something extra in the coolness and energy departments." - 94 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
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Plexus GSM 2021 - $37 on special; $42 RRP
Shiraz 48%, Grenache 28% and Mourvèdre 24%
“Deep crimson. Lovely dark plum. Blackberry, mocha aromas with lifted liquorice notes. A well-balanced wine with deep set blackberry, dark plum, dark chocolate fruits, fine cedary, gravelly tannins and integrated walnutty, sandalwood notes. Chocolaty finish. Drink now to 2032." - 96 Points, Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal
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Entity Shiraz 2021 - $48 on special; $55 RRP
“Intense purple-red colour and a spicy/meaty and dried-herb bouquet, very fragrant for such a big, powerful shiraz, with dried thyme, oregano and mace notes. The palate is powerful, concentrated and the intensity driving and long. There is delicious fruit sweetness and a warming heart to this lovely wine. Great to drink now and for at least 20 years more.” - 96 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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Annexus Grenache 2022 - $57 on special; $65 RRP
"A heady nose of raspberries, vanilla and maraschino cherries excites. Its wafty notes hypnotise. With air, blackberries, dark chocolate and raspberry licorice aromas arise. The palate is viscous and lush, a stream of spice and red berries unleashes, tempered by some sappy rosemary accents. Structure is there in the form of chewy tannins: there are a lot of savoury tannins suggesting some oak influence. The oak marries well with the boldness of the fruit’s expression and ensures it will age very well. I would love to see this develop more tertiary tones. It’s got great potential." - 95 Points, Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review
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Annexus Mataro 2021 - $57 on special; $65 RRP
"Mataro sourced from 100-year-old, dry-grown bush vines in Light Pass. Dark plum, mulberry and macerated berry fruit are cut with notes of exotic spice, hanging meats, licorice, earth and light purple floral tones. There is a lovely fruit density and texture here, pure yet savoury edged with tight, sandy tannin support and a spicy red and dark-fruited finish. Proof that mataro is capable of greatness.” - 96 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
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Annexus Eden Valley Shiraz 2021 - $57 on special; $65 RRP
"Deep crimson. Musky plum, blackberry pastille aromas and flavours with roasted walnut, aniseed notes. Medium-powered and pure fruited on the palate with lacy fine tannins and attractive maturation complexity. Finishes chalky firm with lovely dark berry pastille fruits. Beautiful wine. Now – 2032.” - 96 Points, Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal
“The John Duval wines really are modern classics. This is the first release of Annexus shiraz. This comes from a single vineyard of Eden Valley shiraz that often finds its way into blending for the general shiraz wines from John Duval. It sees 25% new French oak. It’s got tension and precision written all over it. Heavily perfumed in forest berries, dark chocolate, alpine herbs and new leather/mahogany Chesterfield chair kinda thing. It’s succulent in texture, fine and firm in the palate and stretches luxuriously long. All of that perfume translates to flavours, a bit of extra cedar oak seasoning and a touch of sweet-earthiness too. It’s beautifully balance and all up classy.” - 95 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
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Eligo Shiraz 2019 - $109 on special; $125 RRP
"Released only from the best Barossa vintages, a meticulous selection of the most exceptional Shiraz we can produce. The latest release displays the palate texture, length and restrained power that has defined this wine since the inaugural 2005 vintage release. Lifted black fruit, plum and blackberry with hints of anise and clove and earth on the nose. On the palate, it's packed with a multitude of vibrant, powerful fruit layers and a commanding depth of flavour. It also displays hints of spice and licorice and finishes with integrated, fine grippy tannins" - Winemaker Notes
“The 2019 vintage was the first in two consecutive drought years in the Barossa, and the wines are unsurprisingly concentrated and brooding. In this 2019 Eligo Shiraz, we see lashings of exotic spice, aniseed, licorice and resinous char contained within a framework of fine, silty tannins. This is a big wine, make no mistake, but eminently balanced.” - 96 Points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above ? Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions
// Prices valid Wednesday 19th June to COB 26th June