2023 John Duval Plexus Marsanne Roussanne Viognier

94 pts
A fresh, gently textural white that brings together classic Rhône varieties with a light touch and a clear sense of place.

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Description

John Duval might be best known for his reds, but this white blend deserves just as much attention. It’s the only white in the range, and clearly not an afterthought - just a different expression of the Barossa, built from Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier grown in some pretty special spots across Marananga, Kalimna and Eden Valley.

2023 was a cooler, slower season which let the fruit ripen gently, bringing freshness and good natural acidity. The wine is textural and layered like you'd expect from this style, but it doesn’t feel heavy. A small portion was fermented and aged in oak to build mouthfeel, but the rest stayed in tank on lees to keep things crisp and bright. It’s got plenty going on, but it all feels calm and well put together - nothing overdone.

It’s a great example of what a thoughtful white blend can look like from the Barossa, and proof that the Duvals know how to handle more than just red grapes.

94 points
"Such fine balance between zip and gloss, flavor and restraint… green pear and citrus, almond and ginger, a little chalky grip… Lovely wine, and it seems that 2023 has delivered something extra."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

93 points
"Fresh and vibrant aromas of Meyer lemons, orange blossoms and beeswax… Asian pears, peaches, baking spices and lanolin… Wonderfully integrated and generous."
- Ryan Montgomery (James Suckling)

94 points - "Marsanne 41% Roussanne 34% Viognier 25%. Such fine balance between zip and gloss, flavor and restraint. Ripe lemon, ginger, green pear, honey florals. Light to medium-bodied, green pear and citrus, almond and ginger, a little chalky grip, with a juicy but tangy finish, a cinch of lemon zest bitterness. Lovely wine, and it seems that 2023 has delivered something extra in the coolness and energy departments." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

93 points - "Fresh and vibrant aromas of Meyer lemons, orange blossoms and beeswax on the nose. The palate has focused acidity and a generously textured mouthfeel, giving notes of Asian pears, peaches, baking spices and lanolin. Wonderfully integrated and generous. A blend of 41% marsanne, 34% roussane and 25% viognier. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - Ryan Montgomery (James Suckling)

Background
Our aim with Plexus Roussanne Marsanne Viognier (MRV) is to promote a vibrant expression of fruit aromas from the interaction of the three varieties. On the palate, we focus on building structure and texture rather than relying solely on acid crispness.

Vintage
The 2023 vintage marked the third consecutive year influenced by La Niña weather patterns. Excellent soil moisture across the vineyards resulted in healthy crops. Cooler conditions led to a later-than-usual harvest, with Marsanne picked on 3 March, Roussanne on 16 March, and Viognier on 13 April. The season allowed for even flavour accumulation, vibrant aromatics, and lively acidity.

Vineyards
Blend Composition: Marsanne 41%, Roussanne 34%, Viognier 25%

Sourcing:

Marsanne: Marananga sub-region

Roussanne: Kalimna sub-region

Viognier: Eden Valley

Due to the cooler vintage, a slightly higher proportion of Viognier was used to enhance texture and palate complexity.

Winemaking
Gentle pressings were combined with free-run juice and cold settled. Fermentation began in stainless steel, though some Marsanne finished fermentation in puncheons and was aged in them until bottling in October. The remaining Marsanne and the Roussanne were aged on lees in tank to enhance mouthfeel. About 20% of the final blend was matured in fine-grain French oak for seven months.

Winemaker’s Notes
Nose: Yellow pear, quince blossom, and white floral notes

Palate: Pristine layers of yellow and red pear, quince, and mandarin

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type White
Body Full Bodied
Variety Marsanne
Country Australia
Region Barossa Valley
Australian State SA
Reviewed By The Wine Front
James Suckling
Critic Score 94
93
Alcohol 12%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

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