2018 John Duval Plexus White Barossa Valley Australia

If you are looking for a white wine that is vibrant and aromatic, with excellent structure and crisp acidity, look no further. The 2018 John Duval Plexus White Barossa Valley Australia is all that and more!

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

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

John Duval's vineyards date from the second half of the 19th century and are built on more than 30 years of winemaking experience and more than 5 generations of experts. John Duval is the true visionary of the family as he is the one who transitioned from only selling grapes to making his own wines.

John Duval graduated from Adelaide University’s Roseworthy College in 1973, and secured a sought after winemaking role with Penfolds for the 1974 vintage. During his time with 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 29+ years at Penfolds, Duval became a world-renowned star winemaker. Some of his accolades include being named the UK Wine and Spirit Competition's International Winemaker of the Year, 2x Red Winemaker of the Year and receiving the "Wine of the Year" award from Wine Spectator.

In 2003, John Duval began producing his own wine and released his first label, “Plexus”.

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 is complex and elegant wines with great aging potential that express 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. On top of this, he is also a partner at the Longshadows winery in Washington.

Marsanne was hand-picked from the Marananga region, Roussanne from the Kalimna region, and Viognier from Eden Valley. Gentle pressings were combined with free-run juice and cold settled. Fermentation commenced in stainless steel but some of the Marsanne and Viognier finished fermentation and were aged in barrel until bottled in early August. The remaining Marsanne and the Roussanne were aged on lees in tank until bottling, to enhance the structure and texture of the wine.

Aging: 6 months in 15% new French oak

48% Marsanne, 43% Roussanne, and 9% Viognier. The aim with Plexus MRV is to promote a vibrant expression of fruit aromas from the interaction of the three varieties; and on the palate, to build structure and texture, rather than just acid crispness. Aromas of stone fruits, honeysuckle, citrus, and ginger. The medium-bodied is textured with balanced acidity. Flavors of nectarine, mandarin, and spice.

This is a consistently impressive wine that has impeccable balance. The three varieties of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier harmonize perfectly. Gorgeous, high-toned lemon zest aromatics. The palate has delicious citrus and stone fruit flavors, supported by bright, chalky acidity. It is a great example of its type and has room to grow with age. The price is outstanding for a wine of this quality. ~95 Toni Patterson MW

Delicate aromas of pear and apple skins, peach, and citrus are flecked with honeysuckle and beeswax on the nose. Creamy yet balanced by bright acidity, a wet stone and wax character tucks away the fruit on the palate. ~93 Wine Enthusiast