2022 John Duval Wines Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre

A blend of 43% Shiraz, 41% Grenache and 16% Mourvedre aged for 15 months in French oak of which 10% was new. The Shiraz component was sourced from old vineyards at Krondorf, Ebenezer and Tanunda. Grenache was sourced from vineyards at Tanunda, Moppa and Ebenezer, and Mourvèdre from Light Pass and Ebenezer.
Very deep black dark red core with a dark red hue. Pronounced dark plum and liquorice aromas mix with some black raspberry, ripe cherry, subtle vanillin spice and gentle peppered earth notes. Rich succulent dark plum, raspberry, liquorice and blueberry fruits engulf the medium to full bodied palate. Notions of vanillin spice, subtle scorched earth and pepper lie beneath. Amply fleshed it has velvet like tannins and a long, juicy finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
The 2022 Plexus comprises 43% Shiraz, 41% Grenache and 16% Mourvèdre (a.k.a. Mataro). This is the most Grenache that has ever been included in the Plexus, and 2022 was a beautiful season for that variety. "It's always an SGM," says winemaker John Duval. "The Shiraz helps it age in the cellar." On the nose, you get black fruits and exotic spice, layers of forest berries and brine. On the palate, the wine is sweetly fruited and brilliantly fresh. It has an earthy textural bedrock presumably from the Mataro, which grounds the fruit. The tannins are a highlight here. There are some very old vineyards that add to this cuvee, four at over 100 years old, and perhaps these assist with the tannic complexity. A portion of the fruit is from the Hoffmann Vineyard: Shiraz Dallwitz block, Church Block Mataro and 65-year-old dry-grown Grenache. This is a sensational release. Really good. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2024-2037.
94 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

This year's Plexus release sees a blend of shiraz (43%), grenache (41%) and mourvèdre (16%) from across a number of the parishes of the Barossa. 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. Drink by 2035.
94 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion