John Duval Wines Plexus 2005
Barossa; Shiraz 50%, Grenache 34%, Mourvedre 16%
I was interested to try this simply because it's made by John Duval (former Chief Winemaker of Penfolds).
It has a deep purpley red colour. The nose shows black- and red raspberry (plus maybe a touch of blueberry and blackberry) and spice (certainly clove) and, with some air, a touch of smoke. The fruit is "sweet", but not too ripe, and far from confected. The palate is big, soft and well balanced. The understated oak shows up more on the palate along with smooth tannins and a liquer-soaked cherry flavoured finish of pretty good length. At 14.5% it doesn't show any heat, nor is the acidity too high like so many big Aussie reds (I find), yet it still has a certain refreshing quality to it. Seems to me that the focus is on fruit here (the oak always taking a back seat to it).
At around £17.50 (~ €22 / US$35) it feels a bit pricey for what you get in the glass (I'd be happy at a few £ less) but if you're looking for a fruit-focused Barossa Shiraz-blend that's big yet well balanced I'd recommend it.
Not a clash with BBQed kofte kebabs with salad & yoghurt wrapped in pita-like taboon bread either.