John Duval Plexus White 2020

When it comes to Australian winemakers, few are as esteemed as John Duval. Appointed Chief Winemaker at Penfolds in 1986, Duval followed in the footsteps of Australian winemaking greats including Max Schubert and Don Ditter, and was the custodian of Penfolds Grange for almost 30 years. In 2003, John Duval established his eponymous label, with a focus on old vine Barossa Valley Shiraz, along with some select other Rhone varietals.

This 2020 John Duval Plexus White is a classic 'Rhone style' white wine blend Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. This offers plenty of vibrant, lifted aromas of stone fruits, ginger honeysuckle and citrus. The approachable and elegant palate shows excellent fruit purity and ample texture, with plenty of nectarine, mandarin and spice filling the palate.

"93 Points. A bit of a different take on the White Plexus Blend in 2020 with Marsanne dialled up at the expense of Roussanne. I reckon it is a brilliant move and gives this wine delicious fruit impact and acid line. Wine judges around the country will appreciate its classic mix of line and length. Pale in colour, there is a delicious array of bright, primary fruits; lemon pith, hay, nut kernel and just a touch of apricot announcing viognier’s small part to play. If you are not a Viognier fan there is nothing to fear here with the impact more textural than what can be a pungent aromatic kick. Tangy acidity is the key element on the palate which sits below concentrated citrus and acacia flavours before a lingering, silky finish. A pithy texture and dusting of Middle Eastern spices top off what is a delicious Australian example of the classic Rhone blend. $30. Drink: 2021 - 2027"- Angus Hughson, winepilot.com.au.