The 2021 John Duval Eligo Shiraz is a flagship expression of Barossa Shiraz, produced only from the finest parcels selected by John and Tim Duval. The wine brings together 62% Barossa Valley and 38% Eden Valley Shiraz, with fruit sourced from exceptional old vineyards across Ebenezer, Krondorf, Moppa, Moculta and Mt McKenzie. The exceptional 2021 growing season, with mild days, cool nights and a long, even ripening period, produced a vintage of remarkable concentration, freshness and balance. The wine was matured for 18 months in French oak, with 42% new oak, allowing the richness of the fruit to be complemented by refined oak complexity.
The nose is intensely expressive, revealing layers of blackberry, black cherry, dark plum and blueberry, complemented by violet, liquorice and anise. As the wine opens, more complex notes of clove, cinnamon, dark chocolate, cedar, ironstone, smoked meat and earthy spice emerge. There is an impressive combination of richness and aromatic lift, with the Eden Valley fruit contributing freshness and floral character while the Barossa components provide depth and concentration.
On the palate, it is full-bodied, powerful and remarkably well balanced, with tightly packed layers of dark fruit supported by vibrant acidity and beautifully integrated tannins. Blackberry, black cherry and dark plum unfold alongside notes of liquorice, ironstone, dark chocolate and savoury spice. The texture is rich and concentrated without becoming heavy, with the tannins providing excellent structure and definition through the palate. The finish is exceptionally long and persistent, marked by polished chocolatey tannins, dark fruit, mineral freshness and subtle savoury complexity. The 2021 vintage has been widely recognised for its balance and ageing potential, with James Halliday awarding the wine 97 points and describing its tannins as meltingly textured with exceptional length.
