Who makes it?

John Duval Plexus is one of a series of Rhone style wines. John Duval’s mastery in winemaking is apparent in the elegance of the wines in his range. The former Penfold’s winemaker makes wines that are immediately drinkable or even better with some rest in your cellar. 

However, the Duval family is no stranger to growing grapes in the Barossa. The generations before John grew grapes there. He broke the mould though by also making fine wines. And since the mid 2010’s, his son Tim is working alongside his father in the eponymous winery.

The Plexus is an icon of the family. It was the first wine to be released under the name John Duval Wines in 2004. Two high end Shiraz wines follow soon after. Finally in 2010, the white partner for this Rhonish blend…. And the releases continue.

How do they make it?

John Duval has a winemaking philosophy. That is to source old vine fruit and produce exceedingly good wine. This is not hard with the Barossa full of some of the oldest still producing vineyards in the world. The Plexus is therefore no exception to this rule. 

It is a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. While it spends15 months in French oak maturing and smoothing out. Only a very small portion of that is new oak. 

What does it taste like?

A fragrant wine with plenty of fruit and spice on show. Sometimes you will catch a lilt of floral perfume. Blackberries, raspberry with an earthy base and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. It is fuller and rich but with that it is always elegant. 

It is a mouthful of ripe lushness that will go anywhere, with anything and will impress. It might just be hard to share. And if you can resist it for long enough, it is a good cellar candidate.

What to drink it with?

A bold yet elegant red such as this needs some robust flavours. Venison, beef or lamb, however you wish to cook it. A tomato based pasta is also a good option.

Cheese

Enjoy this wine with mature cheddar, Manchego, truffle flavoured hard cheeses and even some blue cheeses.

Quickie review « This is classic old vine red from the Barossa made by a man who is a Barossan classic himself. »

Country of Origin:  Barossa, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2025
Price:  UK £25 | AU$45 | US$ 35++
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Australian red wines wines, why not check out:
Henschke Henry’s Seven
d’Arenberg Ironstone Pressings

Visit johnduvalwines for more.