2023 John Duval Entity Shiraz, Barossa Valley

A wonderfully pure-smelling shiraz from John Duval from grapes sourced across a number of Barossan subregions – Krondorf, Marananga, Ebenezer, Moppa and Eden Valley. There is a real plushness to the fruit here; all juicy doris plum, blueberry and boysenberry with hints of licorice, violets, roasting meats, citrus blossom and earth. The silty tannins drift way back in the fruit this year and the finish is long and graceful, with the real spotlight on that fruit purity.

96 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

John Duval’s Entity Shiraz is a benchmark example of modern Barossa Valley winemaking from one of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers. After almost 30 years at Penfolds, including 16 years as chief winemaker and custodian of Grange, John Duval established his own label in 2003 with a philosophy of expressing the Barossa’s top sites through small-batch, elegant wines. Entity draws fruit from a selection of exceptional old-vine Shiraz vineyards across the Barossa and Eden Valleys, chosen for their balance of richness, perfume, and structure. The blend of Barossa Valley power and Eden Valley lift gives the wine both depth and freshness.

In the glass, Entity is deep crimson with purple flashes, offering aromas of blackberry, black plum, and blueberry, layered with violet, cocoa, and subtle notes of anise, black pepper, and cedar. The palate is full-bodied yet refined, with a concentrated core of dark berry fruit framed by fine, ripe tannins and a line of bright acidity. French oak maturation — typically around 20% new — adds spice, dark chocolate, and mocha complexity, while maintaining focus on the purity of the fruit. The style is opulent but never heavy, with Duval’s hallmark precision and balance.

It pairs beautifully with slow-cooked beef cheeks, roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, venison with juniper, or roasted field mushrooms with thyme. While approachable on release, it has the structure and pedigree to cellar for 12–15 years, developing layers of leather, tobacco, and savoury depth.