2017 John Duval Annexus Grenache Barossa Valley Australia

Did you know that Australia has the oldest Grenache vines in the world that are still producing wine? In Barossa Valley, you can find vines that date back to 1800. 

Previously the Grenache was used to produce fortified wine, but over the years, winemakers and wine consumers have recognized the beauty and versatility of this grape, making it one of the most spoiled and emblematic in all Australia. 

2017 John Duval Annexus Grenache Barossa Valley Australia is produced with the best Grenache vines from Barossa Valley from vines over 160 years old.The wine is characterized by its intensity and fruitiness, and the pleasant freshness that comes from its acidity.

John Duval's wines have managed to transcend the entire world and seduce the most demanding palates.John Duval delivers delicate, modern and unpretentious wines that are so beautifully attached to the Barossa Valley terroir and will immediately transport you to the land of kangaroos!

John Duval is one of Australia's most renowned winemakers and with more than 35 years of experience in the industry, he is an "Australian Wine Legend" as Robert Parker named him in 2010.

The last name Duval has a long history in the world of wine in Australia.For more than 100 years, the family vineyards supplied grapes to the best winemakers in South Australia.

John Duval Wines vineyards date from the second half of the 19th century and are built on more than 30 years of experience in Australian winemaking and more than 5 generations of experts in the field and wine. John Duval was the visionary from the family who transitioned from only selling grapes to making his own wines.

John Duval studied at the University of Adelaide in 1973 and by the 1974 vintage, he began working at the acclaimed Penfolds winery. At Penfolds, John Duval apprenticed to Don Ditter and Max Schubert, creators of Australia's most famous and iconic wine called “Grange”. Duval displayed his winemaking skills and became the third winemaker in 1986.

John played a very important role in the positioning and worldwide recognition of the Penfolds winery.During his more than 29 years at Penfolds, Duval became a world-renowned star winemaker, some of his accolades include being named UK Wine and Spirit Competition's International Winemaker of the Year, Red Winemaker of the Year (twice) and receiving Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year award.

In 2003, John Duval began producing his own wine, the first label he released was “Plexus”. In “Plexus”, the Shiraz and Garnacha predominate, and they’re perfectly complemented with the Mourvèdre, they are highly fruity, complex wines with great balance and persistence.

John Duval discovered the treasures of the Barossa Valley terroir and became a complete lover of the old vines of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Duval's hallmark are complex and elegant wines with great aging potential and expressing the best of the Barossa Valley terroir!

John Duval is not only a Wine Rockstar in Australia, but he is also involved with Viña Ventisquero in the Apalta Valley in Chile, where he is the consulting winemaker. And in the USA, where he is a partner at the Longshadows winery in Washington.

Aging: 12 months in 100% French oak Barrels.

100% Grenache. Vibrant ruby red. Herb and spicy fruit aromas, opening to reveal bright red cherry and rose. Fine boned in structure, with fresh raspberry and purity of red fruits, schisty minerality finishing with fine dusty tannins. Pair this wine with grilled and braised meat, game.

This has attractively smooth and supple red-fruit aromas with pastry and some quite silky notes of red plums here, too. The depth is good. Agile and balanced. Drink now. ~92 James Suckling.

This vintage of Annexus Grenache, like Duval's Mataro, feels denser and more inward than in previous years. The components are all there, but longer bottle age may be necessary. The nose leads with black cherry, strawberry, and oatmeal oak characters, laced with cumin and Middle Eastern spices. In typical Duval style, the palate is highly textured, expertly balanced and supported by taut, spicy tannins. Have patience and this wine should reward in spades.Drink 2022–2029 ~90 Wine Enthusiast.