2008 John Duval Entity Shiraz

Wine Advocate
"94 pts ... The 2008 Entity Shiraz has a deep garnet-purple color and intense notes of kirsch, creme de cassis, menthol, chocolate, anise, spices and tree bark. Rich, concentrated and full-bodied yet not overly alcoholic (14.5% declared alcohol), this is a seamlessly balanced Shiraz unfolding layers of pure dark berry and spice flavors in the long finish. Though approachable now, it should open further in a year or two and drink well to 2020+."

Stephen Tanzer
"93 pts ... Opaque purple. Blackberry, violet, licorice, bitter chocolate and Indian spices on the nose. Dense and sweet but with racy, integrated acidity energizing the dark fruit, floral pastille and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with sweet tannins and noteworthy freshness and length. Becomes spicier with air and already displays impressive complexity."

James Halliday
"96 pts ... Intense, dark purple-crimson; a highly expressive and complex bouquet of black fruits, licorice and oak is followed by a full-bodied palate that is savory rather than jammy, notes of dark chocolate joining the black fruits."

Winemaker's Notes
"A true reflection of Barossa’s soil and climate, Entity displays youthful dark fruits of blackberry and plum that combine with a hint of mocha and savory French oak. The long, rich palate is driven by concentrated dark fruit characters that are balanced by firm tannins, bright acidity and well integrated French oak that adds structure and polish to the wine."

Technical Notes
"Aged 17 months in French oak (35% new) and older American oak. 14.5% alc."