2006 John Duval Eligo Shiraz

Winemaker's Notes
"The 2006 Eligo Shiraz is perfumed with concentrated blackberry, blueberry and fragrant oak. Its rich palate has layers of dark fruits and smokey oak without being overly extracted or jammy. Eligo’s texture is rich and creamy with ample tannin structure for balance. This wine displays an elegant, refined finish that further defines John’s style. Eligo will continue to develop with time in the bottle, for at least 15 years, or even more, with proper cellaring conditions."

Stephen Tanzer
"94 pts ... Vivid purple. Strikingly complex aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry compote, violet, olive and Asian spices. Broad, palate-staining dark berry flavors are brightened by zesty minerals and pick up an exotic floral note with air. The mineral element gains strength with air and carries through a long, pure and sweet finish. I couldn't get this off my palate, but I didn't try very hard."

James Halliday
"95 pts ... “Dense but bright color; has perfectly pitched blackberry, plum fruit and French oak on both the bouquet and medium- to full-bodied palate, with a very long finish."

Wine Advocate
"93+ pts ... The top cuvee is the 2006 Eligo Shiraz which spent 20 months in 66% new French oak hogsheads. Opaque purple-colored, it emits a fragrant, captivating nose of Asian spices, toasty oak, incense, blueberry, and licorice. Full-bodied and structured with the fruit to match, this packed effort will evolve for 5-7 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2026. John Duval was the principal winemaker at Penfolds Grange from 1986 to 2002. "

Technical Notes
"Crafted from a selection of the finest blocks of old-vine Shiraz each vintage, Eligo represents John’s unparalleled knowledge of Barossa’s terrior and fruit. Traditional, low-intervention winemaking techniques ensure that this flagship wine is full of finesse and character. Submerged-cap fermentation takes place in small, stainless steel fermenters with a small portion undergoing extended maceration for up to two weeks to maximize color and flavor extraction. Eligo is aged in 100% French oak hogsheads, with 2/3rds being new, for a period of 20 months. This seductive Shiraz represents the pinnacle of John’s winemaking skill. 14.5% alc."