2016 John Duval Integro Cabernet Shiraz

96 POINTS

James Suckling

The nose is seriously complex, with layers of blackcurrants, blood plums, tobacco leaves, graphite and cured meat. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of mulberry bush, ferric earth, iodine, mocha and dried herbs. A wonderfully balanced blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% shiraz from an average vine age of 110 years. Released after six years in bottle. Excellent.

96 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The first vintage that they released of the Integro was 2017. I have reviewed the 2017 and the 2018; however, both Tim and John Duval view the 2016 Integro Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz as now being ready for release. It's 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Shiraz, matured for 18 months in 20% new French oak. So, on the nose, the wine leads with dark chocolate and olive tapenade, roast beef crust and cocoa. The fruit in the mouth is dark and dense, and it has a tobacco, pipe smoke, dried fruit/Christmas cake spice inflection running through it. The texture is dense and chewy, but the wine exudes confidence and balance in equal measure. It's a powerful wine, and it's impressively in balance. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.