2018 JOHN DUVAL ENTITY SHIRAZ REGION: Barossa, South AustraliaVARIETALS: ShirazMATURATION: 15 months in 100% French oak hogsheads (31% new)ANALYSIS: 14.5% alc/vol | 6.50 g/L TA | 3.56 pH VINTAGE: Following the pattern of recent years, the preceding winter rainfalls were above average followed by slightly drier conditions through spring. Warmer than average conditions through October and November promoted healthy canopies, good fl owering and a healthy set of bunches. Very dry conditions through summer tested the growers to maintain good vineyard management practices and preserve vine health, and they were rewarded with perfect ripening and harvest conditions throughout March and early April. 2018 will produce many exceptional wines, with Eden Valley Shiraz, in particular, appearing amongst the best in living memory. WINEMAKING: The Shiraz was sourced from old vineyards in the Krondorf, Moppa, Light Pass, Ebenezer and Eden Valley regions. Fermentation with submerged cap took place in small open stainless steel fermenters. The wine was then barrel matured for 15 months in 32% new fi ne grain French oak hogsheads (300 liters) and the balance in two, three and four-year-old hogsheads. TASTING NOTES: The nose shows lifted boysenberry, fl orals and hints of anise and clove. The palate is awash with fresh, vibrant blueberries and concentrated plums with hints of cedar spice fi nishing with fl owing waves of extremely fi ne tannins. ABOUT JOHN DUVAL: John Duval is one of Australia’s most highly-regarded winemakers. As Chief Winemaker and custodian of Australia’s famous Grange, he was instrumental in establishing Penfolds as one of the world’s great wineries. Inspired by the Barossa Valley’s old vine vineyards, John established his own label in 2002 and now crafts intense, focused wines that are as distinctive as the region’s diverse terroir.
