2022 John Duval ‘Annexus’, Barossa Valley, Australia

John Duval is one of the former Penfolds Grange winemaker! Only 4 people have ever hold that position! He decided to establish his own label in 2003 after 29 years at Penfolds. His Annexus range, launched in 2013 with Grenache, highlights exceptional parcels. Each year, a new site is chosen for that wine. In 2022, the Chapman family’s vineyard in the Moppa district of Barossa Valley was selected. Planted on renowned Kalimna sands, it yields a complex, age-worthy Shiraz. This small part of Moppa is re- nown for its deep sandy soils. In fact, the vineyard is just over the fence from Penfolds and its famed Kalimna sands. John has worked with the Chapman family for decades, and in his time at Penfolds the vineyard was often a contributor to Grange. Impeccable shiraz country.  Why do we like it? It displays a ruby hue with aromas of blackcherry, dark plum, accented by savory herb and spicy notes. The palate is elegant, full-bodied, with fine, dusty tannins and bright fruit purity, finishing with mint and sage. Fermented with partial whole bunches and aged 15 months in seasoned French oak, it’s bottled at 14.5% ABV, with only 250 cases made. Grape            Grenache Country        Australia                                  Region          Barossa                          Vintage         2022