2007 John Duval Plexus

Stephen Tanzer
"92 pts ... 51% shiraz, 28% grenache and 21% mourvedre) Deep ruby-red. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas display a striking southern Rhone-like character, with complicating notes of dried flowers, spicecake and minerals. Juicy and smooth, with sweet red berry flavors and gentle tannins. The finish is brisk, gently sweet and long. No way I'd have guessed that this came from a drought year. Ninety percent of this wine was raised in five- or six-year-old French hogsheads, the rest in new casks. " --07/09

James Halliday
"93 pts ... Bright, but light, colour; a fragrant bouquet of red fruits is replicated on the light- to medium-bodied palate, backed by gossamer fine, savoury tannins. Drink through 2015."--12/08

Wine Spectator
"91 pts ... Creamy in texture, this is ripe with cherry, pomegranate, ash and black pepper flavors, persisting nicely on the long, expressive finish. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2014. " --10/09

Winemaker's Notes
"Shiraz 51%, Grenache 28%, Mourvedre 21%. Colour: Vibrant, deep crimson red-purple Nose: Combination of lifted aromatic red fruits with a touch of savoury spice, and subtle complexing oak Palate: Youthful aromatic red and black fruits combine well with an array of spices. Shiraz and Mourvedre provide good backbone tannins and structure, which is balanced by the aromatics and softness of Grenache. Good depth of flavour, without being heavy or over-ripe."

Technical Notes
"Fermentation with submerged cap in both traditional old open top tanks and small stainless steel fermenters Oak Maturation: 100% barrel matured for 16 months. Some Shiraz finished fermentation in new oak. 10% new fine grain French oak hogsheads (300 litres), balance; 3 years and older mostly French oak. TA 6.5 g/L; pH 3.55; 14.5% alc."