Overview
The 2018 John Duval Wines Entity Shiraz is a polished old-vine Barossa Shiraz shaped by John Duval's long experience with the variety. The name reflects the outcome of a singular grape variety transformed by the winemaker's craftsmanship, with selected old-vine fruit delivering elegance, depth and true Barossa character.
Vintage & Winemaking
The 2018 vintage followed above-average winter rainfall and slightly drier spring conditions. Warm October and November weather promoted healthy canopies, good flowering and a healthy set of bunches. Dry summer conditions tested growers, but excellent vineyard management preserved vine health and led to strong ripening conditions through March and early April.
The wine was sourced from old vineyards in Krondorf, Ebenezer, Moppa, Light Pass and Eden Valley, comprising 48% Barossa Valley and 52% Eden Valley fruit. Parcels were fermented separately in small stainless steel fermenters with submerged caps and twice-daily pump overs. Some batches remained on skins for up to two weeks. After classification, the component wines were matured for 15 months in oak, with 31% new fine grain French oak hogsheads and the balance in two-, three- and four-year-old hogsheads.
Product Highlights
- Old-vine Shiraz from Krondorf, Ebenezer, Moppa, Light Pass and Eden Valley.
- 97 points from Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
- 95 points from Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Real Review.
- 94 points from Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front.
- Matured 15 months in oak, including 31% new fine grain French oak hogsheads.
Critic Scores & Reviews
97 Points - Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
"Entity is always a complete, fabulous wine. Nothing out of place." August 2020.
95 Points - Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Real Review
"The texture is almost unctuously smooth, flowing long and velvety with perfectly integrated tannins..." March 2020.
94 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
"Deep dark berried fruit flavours, swish smoky/cedary oak, ripples of spice-infused tannin." April 2020.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Attractive lifted boysenberry, florals and hints of anise and clove.
Palate
Awash with fresh, vibrant blue fruits, blueberries and concentrated plum, with cedar spice and flowing waves of extremely fine tannins.
Finish
Fine, polished and complete, with freshness, depth and structure for further development.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with beef and venison, especially grilled steak, roast beef, slow-braised beef, lamb and richly flavoured game dishes.
Cellaring Potential
Approachable in youth, with structure and fruit depth to cellar for 10 to 12 years.
About John Duval Wines
John Duval Wines is led by John Duval, one of the Barossa's most respected winemakers. The estate focuses on expressive Barossa wines shaped by careful vineyard selection, restrained power, elegant fruit and balanced oak integration.
Specifications
- Producer: John Duval Wines
- Vintage: 2018
- Country: Australia
- Region: Barossa, South Australia
- Grape Variety: Shiraz
- Blend: 48% Barossa Valley, 52% Eden Valley
- Wine Style: Red Wine - Rich and Intense
- Oak Maturation: 15 months in oak, 31% new fine grain French oak hogsheads
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- pH: 3.56
- Total Acidity: 6.5g/L
- Bottle Size: 750ml
