2019 John Duval Entity Shiraz, Barossa Valley

John Duval is an internationally recognised winemaker, having been the custodian of Penfolds Grange for almost 30 years as part of his role as chief red winemaker there. In 2003 he established his eponymous brand; he continues to provide consultancy services to clients all over the world. While his main focus is on old vine shiraz, he has extended his portfolio with other Rhone varieties. 

Very polished, very good shiraz. Hits out around medium weight but delivers way more of an experience. There’s a boot polish thing in here too. Mostly, dark berries, inky, booze-soaked cherry fruitiness, this curl of milk chocolate and a slick of sweet spice. It feels shapely, velvety but deals in coolness too. You can’t use the word restrained around it but there’s shape and length and a smudge of nice, dusty tannins molten lava in it all. Lovely stuff. This is a good way to see how $55 goes for quality and Barossa shiraz.

94 pts - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, Jul 2021, Drink 2021-2030.