John Duval 'Entity' Shiraz

From Barossa legend John Duval, ‘Entity’ distils the region’s old-vine intensity into a polished, food-worthy Shiraz. Inky and aromatic, it layers plum, blackberry and dark chocolate with savoury notes of black olive and woody spice. Firm yet powder-fine tannins and vibrant freshness drive a long, composed finish — a serious, elegant expression of Barossa craft.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Plush aromas of black plum, dark berries and vanilla pod rise over hints of liquorice and dried herb. The palate is deep and brooding: black fruits, olive tapenade and cocoa coil around fine, savoury tannins for focus and length. Concentrated yet balanced, it finishes long with spice, mineral poise and a silken glide.

Key Details

• Winery: John Duval Wines
• Grape: Shiraz
• Region: Barossa, South Australia
• Vintage: 2020
• ABV: 14.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Other: Vegan-friendly

Craftsmanship & Story

After 28 years at Penfolds (16 as Chief Winemaker), John Duval founded his family label to craft elegant, structured wines from exceptional old Barossa vineyards. For Entity, parcels from venerable sites are fermented and matured separately, then blended for purity and balance — an archetype of French-oak-framed Barossa Shiraz with finesse at its core.

Special Features

Entity champions French oak maturation to emphasise fragrance and line over sheer weight. Old-vine fruit delivers depth and dark fruit power; restrained oak and satin tannins bring shape and longevity. A classic Duval signature: intensity without excess, precision without austerity.

Recognition & Accolades

Acclaimed by leading critics across recent vintages:

• 95/100 Points – Bob Campbell, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
• 95/100 Points & 5 Stars – Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
• 93/100 Points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
• 94/100 Points – James Suckling (2019 vintage)
• 94/100 Points – Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)
• 93/100 Points – Bob Campbell (2019 vintage)
• 93/100 Points – James Halliday (2019 vintage)
• 92/100 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (2019 vintage)
• 99/100 Points – James Halliday (2017 vintage)

These results cement Entity as a benchmark Barossa Shiraz — concentrated, fragrant and impeccably balanced.

Food Pairings

Full-bodied and savoury, Entity excels with flame-grilled rib-eye, rosemary-rubbed lamb shoulder or slow-braised beef cheeks. Its dark fruit and spice elevate venison, pepper-crusted steak and smoky barbecue ribs, while truffled mushroom risotto or chargrilled portobello with herb oil offer luxurious vegetarian matches. Finish with aged cheddar or hard pecorino to echo its depth.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A distinguished Barossa Shiraz from an Australian icon — ideal for milestone dinners, premium gifts and serious cellars. Entity’s harmony of power and poise ensures pleasure now and graceful evolution over time.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.