*** 99 Points James Halliday*** *** John was the custodian and winemaker for Penfolds Grange when Max Schubert retired until he left to set up his own winery John Duval Wines where he makes his own wines under his own label since that day *** Country: Australia  Region: South Australia  Vintage: 2019 Category: Red Wine  Color: Red   Producer: John Duval "John Duval is a legendary name. As only the third winemaker to be entrusted with the making of Australia's most famous wine, Grange, John worked for Penfolds for 28 years (including 16 years as chief winemaker) until his departure in 2002. Despite his legendary status, John is a quiet, unassuming man who just happens to be one of the world's great winemakers. He set out on his own with the 2003 vintage, sourcing fruit from some long-time friends in the Barossa. 'Plexus' Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre and 'Entity' Shiraz have quickly established the reputation of this label. 'Entity' is sourced mainly from old Shiraz vineyards in the Krondorf, Tanunda and Lights Pass regions and in recent vintages has also included some Eden Valley Shiraz to promote the vibrancy and elegant expressions of the 'Entity' style. The 'Plexus' white, a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, was introduced in 2010 and is fast gaining the sort of reputation that John's reds have long enjoyed. Only made in the best years, the 'Eligo' Shiraz has the highest quality grapes selected from the vintage. The wine has 20 months of ageing in 75% new French oak hogsheads and 25% in older casks." Winemaker: John Duval Tasting Notes:The 2019 vintage started with a warmer than usual spring followed by early, but even, flowering and fruit-set. Frost, particularly in the Northern Barossa reduced yields however the conditions during fruit ripening were pleasingly mild and dry with rain in mid-January bringing some welcome relief. Shiraz was first picked in the Krondorf area on 12 February and finished on 17 March in Eden Valley Food Suggestion: Enjoy with rich meat dishes, particularly spiced coconut beef curries. Closure: Stelvin  ABV: 14.5%  Acidity [g/l]: 6.4