When I left Penfolds in 2002, looking over my shoulder at three decades with the company (including 16 years as the custodian of Grange) there was more than a little trepidation. However, the world wine industry, which I know and love, has embraced me. I am fortunate to call the Barossa home, a place where I can develop close relationships with fifth and sixth generation growers and purchase small, exclusive parcels of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvédre. It’s also a place where I can share a mate’s winemaking facilities – and his thoughts over a beer at the end of a day’s crushing and fermenting.
VINTAGE 2007
The 2007 vintage in February/March was one of the toughest I’ve witnessed. We all know about the drought Australia has been suffering, and in the Barossa, where there is a greater reliance on rainfall than irrigation, I had to call in a few favours. Luckily the strength of my long-term grower relationships meant I could secure enough fruit and I am pleased with the quality, but I am luckier than most. However, due to small crops and the tough conditions, I decided not to release a 2007 Eligo, concentrating on Entity and Plexus. John Duval
