2022 Plexus Red
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The delightful 2022 Plexus, a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre, has superb fruit purity. While starting a little shy, it builds momentum with time. Old leather and roasted spices and meats begin before plummy richness builds and offers strong support. This is elegance personified, and it has a lovely lightness of touch throughout, although with solid tannins in support. It will age well in a bottle.
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Average Score
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
Angus Hughson, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Plexus comprises 43% Shiraz, 41% Grenache and 16% Mourvèdre (a.k.a. Mataro). This is the most Grenache that has ever been included in the Plexus, and 2022 was a beautiful season for that variety. "It's always an SGM," says winemaker John Duval. "The Shiraz helps it age in the cellar." On the nose, you get black fruits and exotic spice, layers of forest berries and brine. On the palate, the wine is sweetly fruited and brilliantly fresh. It has an earthy textural bedrock presumably from the Mataro, which grounds the fruit. The tannins are a highlight here. There are some very old vineyards that add to this cuvee, four at over 100 years old, and perhaps these assist with the tannic complexity. A portion of the fruit is from the Hoffmann Vineyard: Shiraz Dallwitz block, Church Block Mataro and 65-year-old dry-grown Grenache. This is a sensational release. Really good. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.