2003 PLEXUS

I have always liked the "Rhone" blend, ie. a blend of these three varieties, particularly after a trip to the southern Rhone Valley in 1991. Since then I have really enjoyed working with these varieties and was lucky enough to find some excellent vineyards for the 2003 Plexus.

Region: Barossa Valley

Varieties: Shiraz 46%, Grenache 32%, Mourvedre 22%

  • Shiraz off old vines close to Nuriootpa, average age in excess of 60 years.
  • Grenache off old bush vines, 50-60 years old near Rowland Flat.
  • Mourvedre, from a vineyard near Seppeltsfield, a little younger but yield was less than 1 tonne to the acre (less than 2.5 tonnes to the hectare)

Winemaking: Fermentation with submerged cap: in open fermenter and small stainless steel

Oak Maturation: 100% barrel matured: Shiraz with some barrel fermentation in new French oak. 25% new French oak hogs heads (300 litre), balance 2,3 and 4 year old French oak, to get the best of the fruit but with subtle oak complexity

Technical Notes:
Alcohol 14.5%
pH 3.55
TA 5.8g/l

Tasting:
The rich fruit, balance and silky tannin enable Plexus to be enjoyed now, but the structure and depth will aid cellaring for at least 8-10years.

Plexus

Shirazgrenachemouverdre

  • Tastingnotes
  • 2003
  • 2004
  • 2005

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Bottle Plexus