2008 John Duval Shiraz Entity

Wow, a smoking good Barossa Shiraz, the 2008 John Duval Wines Shiraz Entity, 100% Shiraz that’s aged for 17 months in 35% new French oak, displays classic aromatics of sweet blackberry and cassis fruits to go with loads of spice, licorice, vanilla, and flowers on the nose. Gorgeous on the palate as well, the wine is beautifully put together and possesses a silky, seamless texture, good acidity, and a chocolate-laced finish that’s framed by ripe tannin. A touch of sweetness comes out on the palate, but this is superb. Harvested prior to the heat wave, this is a great ’08 and well worth seeking out!

The 2008 Entity Shiraz has a deep garnet-purple color and intense notes of kirsch, creme de cassis, menthol, chocolate, anise, spices and tree bark. Rich, concentrated and full-bodied yet not overly alcoholic (14.5% declared alcohol), this is a seamlessly balanced Shiraz unfolding layers of pure dark berry and spice flavors in the long finish. Though approachable now, it should open further in a year or two and drink well to 2020+. With 35 years in the winemaking business under his belt, nearly 30 of which were spent making Grange and developing the RWT label at Penfolds, John Duval is a bit of an Australian wine legend. And that was before he set out making his own wines in 2003. “After 35 years in the business, I know who the best growers are,” he informed me when we were discussing the sources for his fruit. He’s wasted no time laying his hands of some pretty amazing grapes to craft into his own style. Entity and Plexus are hot tips for labels to follow and currently sit at very sensible prices. In 2008 Duval started picking his Shiraz in early February, meaning his fruit was in before the heat-wave hit that year and it shows in these his very impressive reds. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA, www.oldbridgecellars.com

Opaque purple. Blackberry, violet, licorice, bitter chocolate and Indian spices on the nose. Dense and sweet but with racy, integrated acidity energizing the dark fruit, floral pastille and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with sweet tannins and noteworthy freshness and length. Becomes spicier with air and already displays impressive complexity.