2009 Sequel - 1.5L
John Duval, formerly of Australia's iconic Penfolds Grange, chose the Columbia Valley as his "Sequel" for the continuation of his life's work with Syrah.
Opaque and blue-ish purple in color, this is an expressive wine offering vibrant aromas of sweet dark fruits, grilled meats and freshly roasted chestnuts. Dark cherry flavors laced with notes of nutmeg and savory spice are framed by refined tannins and a delicate acidity that lingers on the finish.
93 POINTS
WINE ADVOCATE
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2009 |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Varietal Composition | 99% Syrah
1% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Appellation | Columbia Valley |
| Acid | 0.61g/100 ml |
| PH | 3.68 |
| Alcohol | 14.80% |
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Volume | 1.5 liter |
2009 SEQUEL - 93 POINTS
"Chocolate, mocha and brown spice elements are prominent already in the nose. There is dark berry juiciness along with hints of mint, black pepper and smoky black tea to take this wine in a properly direction."
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2009 SEQUEL - 93+ POINTS
"Complex, scented nose combines crushed rock, licorice, blackberry, smoked meat, black pepper and graphite. A bright, intense fruit bomb in the mouth, with dark berry flavors accented by cocoa powder, black pepper, dark chocolate and rosemary. Very clean and primarily Syrah with terrific depth. Finishes with a serious tannic spine for aging and subtle rocky character."
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2009 SEQUEL - 92 POINTS
"Focused, plush and generous, with pomegranate-accented dark berry and tobacco flavors, striking a nice balance of suppleness, rich flavors and expansion on the finish."
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2009 SEQUEL - 92 POINTS
"Rich, dark, dense and smoky, this is a fruit-driven Syrah that has a splendid bouquet of ripe black fruit. Some herbal accents and a streak of bark runs through the tannins."
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Yakima Valley's Boushey Vineyard (45%), an exceptional site for Syrah, provided grapes with ripe fruit character and bright acidity. These lots are the perfect complement to the dense, dark, fruit grown at Bacchus Vineyard (22%) from one of the oldest Syrah blocks in the state. Red Mountain and surrounding area vineyards (20%) contributed richness and depth which give the 2009 Sequel its backbone. Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills complete the blend, adding a layer of refined tannins and silky texture.
Few winemakers are as synonymous with the iconic wines of a country as John Duval, best known for his work with Penfolds Grange, the gold standard for Australian Shiraz.
John joined Penfolds winery in 1974 after completing his studies in agriculture and winemaking. In 1986 John was appointed Chief Winemaker, following the winemaking greats Max Schubert and Don Ditter.
The Duval Family had for many years run a world famous Suffolk sheep stud and also ran quality vineyards, at Morphett Vale south of Adelaide, coincidently supplying Shiraz grapes and vine cuttings to Penfolds.
During his time as Chief Winemaker, John oversaw a dynamic period of development. The many awards and accolades for its wines helped establish Penfolds as one of the world's great wine brands.
While his honors and awards are too numerous to list, some of the highlights include the Robert Mondavi Trophy for Winemaker of the Year in 1989 at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London; two-time recipient of the Red Winemaker of the Year award at the International Wine Challenge in London, first in 1991 and then again in 2000; and Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year” award in 1995 for the 1990 vintage of Penfolds Grange.
After 28 years, John stepped down from the company in 2002 to establish John Duval Wines, debuting with the 2003 vintage of Plexus SGM. John now makes four wines under his John Duval Wines label, a white; 'Plexus White' (Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier), and three reds; 'Plexus Red' (Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre), 'Entity' (Shiraz) and 'Eligo' (Shiraz).
In addition to making his own wine, John also has a joint venture project with Ventisquero in the Apalta Valley, Chile and in 2003 John traveled to the Columbia Valley at the invitation of Long Shadows Vintners' founder Allen Shoup to make his first U.S. wine, Sequel, a name chose in recognition of his life's work with Syrah.
Never one to be far from great Shiraz, he currently resides in the Barossa Valley, home to some of Australia’s oldest vines.
