John Duval 'Concilio' Grenache, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia 2022

John Duval Wines is an independent family winery in Australia's Barossa Valley, founded in 2003 by one of the world's most renowned winemakers, John Duval. After a legendary 29-year career at Penfolds, where he served as only the third Chief Winemaker for the iconic Grange, Duval launched his eponymous label to create small-batch, elegant expressions of the region's heritage old vineyards. The winery is a partnership with his son, Tim Duval, representing the second generation of winemaking following five generations of family grape growing.

• Winemakers: John Duval and Tim Duval
  
• Farming: Sustainable
• Grapes: 86% Grenache and 14% Shiraz
• Terroir: The Barossa Valley features ancient, diverse soils, including well-drained sandy loams and red-brown earths. These poor soils naturally limit yields, forcing old vines to produce small, highly concentrated berries. Because of its sandy soils, the Barossa remained unaffected by phylloxera, allowing it to preserve some of the world's oldest own-rooted vines, which Duval utilizes to achieve "site-driven character". Grenache (86%): Sourced primarily from a "survivor" bush vine block (vines 70+ years old) located south of Tanunda and an old-vine parcel from Northern Barossa. These ancient vines provide natural balance and concentrated fruit without excessive weight. Shiraz (14%): Sourced from a single vineyard at Marananga, specifically chosen for its savory notes and plush texture to complement the brighter Grenache.
• Vinification: The vinification of the focuses on gentle handling and vibrant fruit preservation, intentionally moving away from the heavier "confectioned" styles of traditional Barossa Grenache. The Grenache grapes were fermented in small open-top fermenters for approximately 8 days. Up to one-third of the Grenache was fermented as whole bunches. This technique provides "aromatic lift," enhances savoriness, and introduces a "crunchy" acidity to the profile. This Shiraz spent 7 days on skins with twice-daily pump overs to manage tannin extraction and mid-palate weight.
• Aging: Only seasoned (older) French oak is used. This ensures minimal oak flavor influence, allowing the natural varietal charm and terroir of the old vines to remain the focus. The Grenache is split evenly, with 50% matured in stainless steel tanks to keep it bright and 50% in seasoned French oak hogsheads (300L barrels). The Shiraz is matured entirely in seasoned French oak.
• Tasting Notes: Vibrant and bright, featuring a mix of raspberries, cherries, and cranberries with hints of savory spice. A medium-bodied wine with a soft texture with flavors of blueberry and strawberry compote, underscored by violet, white pepper, and cocoa powder. 
• Accolades: 91 PTS, Wine Enthusiast