John Duval Wines ‘Plexus’ 2006

 

 

There’s a lot I could write about this wine, but given that I’ve imbibed most of it, chances are I’ll miss something. For a start, it’s a spot-on SGM blend. It’s also very Barrosan in nature.

What I really like are the elements that each grape brings to the table. Yes, it’s a classic French blend, but this wine shows regionality. There’s nothing French about it.

Shiraz (52%) brings deep dark, Barossa blackberry, black cherry and mulberry fruit, considerable rich power and a twist of peppery spice to the wine. 30% of Grenache contributes raspberry, clean aniseed and a boozy, reposado tequila lift. Whilst the Mourvedre only comprises 18% of the wine, it punches any chance of a clean, glossy wine in the face. This underdog adds further black fruit and licorice strap depth, but more importantly, merges with the oak to bring a cured-meat-wrapped-in-cloth element.

If you were to guzzle it (as is highly likely!), chances are you’ll miss the complexities, but there’s very little chance of any drinker coming out unimpressed.

I had it with kangaroo fillets, but I think a wine with more Mataro (Mourvedre, Monastrell) would have boxed better.

Excellent.

Closure: Screwcap

Source: Retail

Price: ~$45