John Duval Wines, Plexus Marsanne Roussanne Viognier, Barossa Valley

I typically am not a fan of White Rhone or Rhone style blends. However, this was very enjoyable. Light clear gold; strong aromas of smoke/soot, cream, exotic fruit; med. body with subtle astringency (pleasant) and moderate acidity. Flavors of lime zest, exotic fruit, light spices. Impressive length on the finish. I think the reason I enjoyed this is that it has prominent acidity. I've had a few high end white Rhone wines (Thanks SD-Wineaux!) and I often find them flabby. …

2016 John Duval Wines Plexus MRV was creamy, fresh and generous. The Barossa Valley Rhône-styled white blend was clear and pale lemon in colour without any sediments. There were notes of smoke and cream, followed by quince, starfruit, nectarine and lemon zest. The mouthfeel was dry, rich and quite full-bodied, with medium level of accompanying acidity. There were flavours of cream, grapefruit and stony minerals in a medium zest finish. A minor criticism was that there were bitterness in the …

A representative interpretation of MRV neatly put together. Not cheap. Can age longer. Screw top closure.

2016 John Duval Wines Plexus Marsanne Roussanne Viognier delivered the quality of good Hermitage Blanc at a fraction of the price. The blend composed of 50% Marsanne, 42% Roussanne and 8% Viognier, a nod to Hermitage Blanc despite a splash of Viognier which was not permitted in Hermitage. It was clear pale lemon in colour. The nose was profound and layered with ripe yellow starfruit and brioche, followed by lemon, apricot and jasmine, then flint in salty sea breeze. On …

In the last 6 months it’s lost some ‘puppy fat’. More rounder, integrated and linear. A good rendition of a quality southern Rhone at 1/3 the price. Bravo.