2022 John Duval Entity Shiraz

With nearly 30 years spent making Penfolds Grange and developing the RWT label at Penfolds, John Duval qualifies as one of Australia's living wine legends. In 2003 he launched John Duval Wines and wasted no time sourcing some of South Australia's finest fruit. “After 35 years in the business, I know who the best growers are,” comments Duval. Today, John is joined by his son Tim who assists with both winemaking and marketing.
2022 was a standout season in Barossa vintage with mild harvest conditions allowing for even flavour accumulation and vibrant aromatics and acidity. Fruit was sourced from old vineyards in the Krondorf, Tanunda, Marananga, Ebenezer, Moppa and Eden Valley districts, the final blend being made from 85% Barossa Valley and 15% Eden Valley fruit. Maturation took place in French oak (28% new) for a period of 15 months.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Intense blackberry, liquorice and dark plum aromas engulf the nostrils complimented by vanillin oak, dark chocolate, earthy mocha and spice notes. Rich and seductive yet terrifically refined, the medium to full bodied palate has a gorgeous layer of blackberry, dark plum and liquorice fruit flowing across it. Plush in its feel it has seamlessly integrated, velvety tannins and possesses an understated power. Spicy vanillin oak, earthy mocha and pepper elements ensue. The long, silky finish the epitome of finesse and class.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Velvety opulence speaks from the moment this hits your tongue until the last drop disappears. It’s a luxurious take on the grandeur of fit, medium-bodied Shiraz, putting plush red berry characteristics on a pedestal, encasing them gently in oak and fine-gain tannin, then allowing them to saunter gracefully down the long catwalk before sashaying out the exit curtain. Bravo! Further ageing will only enhance its beauty. Drink 2024-2038.
96 points
Decanter.com

Shiraz sourced from vineyards in Krondorf, Tanunda, Marananga, Moppa and Eden Valley (BV 85%, EV 15%), matured in French oak, 28% new, for 15 months. A vibrantly coloured multi-subregional blend that shows plum, black cherry and blackberry fruits cut with hints of baking spice, cedar, vanillin, mace, licorice and earth. A thickly shouldered wine, plush with ripe fruit and creamy oaken nuance finishing long and elemental with fine, chalky tannins and a sense of mineral definition. Drink by 2038.
95 points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion