DOMAINE DE LA MORDOREE Cuvee de la Reine des Bois, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

In 2002 John Duval left Penfolds after 29 years (17 as Chief Winemaker) and established his own, eponymous label. Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre (first vintage 2003) was the inaugural John Duval Wines release. As Duval says: in a region (the Barossa Valley) that boasts the oldest Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre vines in the world, I decided to focus on this famous Barossa Valley blend. Plexus is typically 50% Shiraz, 30% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. Shiraz provides the blackberry core and structural backbone. Old vine, low yielding Grenache (some over 100 years old) provides aromatics and texture. Old vine, low yielding Mourvèdre (the oldest well over 100 years old) add savoury, spice and earthy notes. Stylistically, Duval is not aiming for the fruit bomb, high alcohol interpretation; rather Plexus aims to be a respectful, elegant expression of very old Barossa Valley vineyards. Plexus sees 100% barrel maturation in 300 litre French oak hogsheads (only 10% new). While drinking well as a young wine, Plexus matures well, showing a complex array of savoury and mature berry notes and a generous core of sweet fruit and soft tannins.

Joshua was Teusners very first wine. Named for co-founder Mick Pages first son, Joshua is a blend of mostly old vine Grenache, a good measure of Mataro and a dollop of Shiraz. Unoaked and released young, this wine carries with it the Teusner belief that the best Barossa wines are made when Grenache meets Shiraz meets Mataro.

Bruno & George Old Vine Grenache, Barossa Valley Grenache is arguably the most exciting grape variety on Australian shores of late and indisputably the cultivar that bodes best for an increasingly challenged climate. Responsible for a number of stylistic interpretations, Australian Grenache has traditionally been round, generous and fruity, with an emphasis on wild strawberry, kirsch and Turkish Delight aromas. Bruno & Georges Joh Norman and his deep understanding of Spanish iterations of the variety, however, delivers a far more savoury experience that challenges the worlds best. Think riffs on wild strawberry, thyme, lavender and a weave of spindly tannins, firm and edgy, that serve as a legacy of vast international experience and the sort of confident extraction that comes with it.

Grenache has long been a stalwart of the South Australian wine scene and Penfolds have been blending Grenache with Shiraz since the 1950's. Recent years has seen a growing trend for the luscious perfumed styles like those emanating out of the northern Rhône and the Bin 138 produces a brilliant example. Going from strength to strength, this particular wine is quickly gathering momentum as one of the stand-out releases in the Bin series.<p><b>Please note a limit of 24 bottles per customer</b></p>

SOUL GROWERS Equilibrium Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre, Barossa Valley

CLARENDON HILLS Clarendon Onkaparinga Grenache, McLaren Vale