John Duval, `Plexus` Marsanne/Roussanne/Viognier, 2023
Product Information
Country Australia
Region Barossa
Grape Variety 41% Marsanne, 34% Roussanne, 25% Viognier
Vintage 2023
ABV 12%
The John Duval Plexus 2023 is a refined Barossa Valley white wine blend made from Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, showcasing the balance, texture, and aromatic precision these Rhône varieties are known for in South Australia.
Vineyards & Terroir
Marsanne fruit is sourced from the warm Marananga region in the Northern Grounds of the Barossa Valley, where red-yellow brown loams over red clay soils contribute depth and richness.
Roussanne comes from the historic Kalimna region, while Viognier is grown at a higher-altitude Eden Valley vineyard, adding freshness and lifted aromatics to the final blend.
Vintage Overview – 2023
The 2023 Barossa Valley vintage was influenced by ongoing La Niña weather patterns, resulting in excellent soil moisture and healthy vines. Cooler seasonal conditions led to a later harvest, allowing for even flavour development, vibrant aromatics, and natural acidity.
• Marsanne harvested: 3 March
• Roussanne harvested: 16 March
• Viognier harvested: 13 April
Winemaking
Each variety was gently pressed, with free-run juice cold settled prior to fermentation. Fermentation began in stainless steel, with a portion of the Marsanne and Viognier completing fermentation and maturation in oak.
The remaining Marsanne and Roussanne were aged on lees in tank to build texture and structure.
Approximately 20% of the final blend matured in fine-grain French oak for seven months, with bottling completed in early October.
Tasting Notes
Pale straw in colour, this Barossa Valley white blend displays lifted aromas of nectarine, peach, pear, quince blossom, and subtle ginger spice.
The palate is elegant and precise, offering flavours of white peach, ripe nectarine, pear, and gentle baking spice, supported by vibrant acidity and excellent fruit purity.
While expressive in its youth, the wine is expected to gain additional texture and complexity with careful cellaring.
John Duval Wines is a premium, family-owned winery in the heart of the Barossa Valley, producing small-batch Australian red wines from some of the region’s oldest vineyards. Founded in 2003 by world-renowned winemaker John Duval, this boutique label reflects over 40 years of winemaking expertise and six generations of South Australian grape-growing heritage.
John Duval, best known as the former Chief Winemaker at Penfolds and custodian of the iconic Grange Shiraz, has created his own legacy by crafting wines that honour the old-vine Barossa terroir. With a focus on low-yield, dry-grown Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvèdre sourced from vines aged 50 to over 100 years, each bottle expresses purity, balance, and a strong sense of place.
Today, John is joined by his son, Tim Duval, continuing the family tradition of winemaking. Together, they work closely with trusted Barossa growers, applying minimal-intervention techniques to produce elegant, modern expressions of classic Barossa varieties.
Whether you are searching for Barossa Valley Shiraz with depth and finesse, or a collector's Australian red wine with heritage and soul, John Duval Wines offers a unique and authentic experience for wine lovers and connoisseurs alike.
