Purple-red; Barossa Valley blends of Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre seldom have the poise conviction or richness of this wine; the flavours are multilayered yet not the least jammy the tannins particularly good the length all one can ask for.

A blend of 53% Shiraz 26% Grenache and 21% Mourvedre that's aged in a scant 10% new French oak (mostly aged in 3-year-old larger barrels) the 2008 John Duval Wines Plexus is a brilliantly put together blend that boasts top-notch aromas of black currants red plums sappy underbrush mint candied flowers and pepper on the nose. While it's upfront and loaded with fruit it nevertheless has uncommon depth and complexity. On the palate it is seamless and polished with a full-bodied elegant texture integrated acidity and beautiful purity of fruit that shines through the finish. Classic stuff that is more than a little impressive; it will drink beautifully for 10-15 years.

The 2008 Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre is a decidedly Shiraz dominant version of this classic blend. Deep garnet-purple colored it gives an abundance of Indian spice aromas - cumin seed fenugreek and cloves - over raspberry cordial preserved blackberry dusty earth powdered cinnamon and moss covered tree bark. The full-bodied palate displays the elegance of this blend in its effortless harmony offering a medium-high level of very fine tannins crisp acid and ample opulent flesh with a long finish. Drink it now to 2018+. 93+ -Lisa Perrotti-Brown