John Duval Wines Integro Cabernet Shiraz 2017

Integro: to integrate or make whole. John Duval Wines contribution to the proud and distinctly Australian tradition of blending these two varieties. An age-worthy wine that would reward extended cellaring, allowing its journey of evolution to be enjoyed over many years. A wine from special Barossa vineyards, and produced only when the right vintage conditions prevailed.

Vintage: 2017

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon(90%), Shiraz (10%)

Region: Cabernet is sourced from Springton, Eden Valley. Shiraz has been sourced from multiple sites in Barossa Valley.

96 points

Mike Bennie, The WineFront, 20 July 2021.

From old, great parcels of cabernet and shiraz comes this Very Fancy Wines from John Duval Wines. And, rightfully so as the prices around the premium wine regions go lofty. Runs on board here. Made in the mode of, or inspired by, Penfolds Special Bin wines, which John of course had a hand in making a bunch of. Integro sounds like a new range from a Japanese car manufacturer or perhaps a suburban, Italian restaurant, but I like the idea of its Latin fanciness implying ‘bringing to a whole’ or similar. Sheesh, this is emphatically good. Restraint. Those cabernet tannins, that blue fruits, the splash of richer, darker fruit and spice seasoning of shiraz, it’s like the trailer to the movies is giving you the list of those who helped make it happen. There’s woody spice, some cask-age nuttiness, layers of blue and dark berry fruitiness, herbal elements. Darn complex, from a mile off. Incredibly glossy texture and then a late bloom of soft-pumice-textured tannins. Beautiful, beautiful wine, with all the grace and laid back power. Classic Aussie stylings, in a done up way. Excellent. Drink : 2021 - 2045+

98 points and Top 100 Wines of 2020

James Halliday, Wine Companion 14 November 2020

First release; 90% Springton cabernet sauvignon planted from the 1890s, 10% Barossa Valley old-vine shiraz. Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak hogsheads. 1590 bottles. A full-bodied wine of ultimate coherence and quality, the bouquet setting the signal for the palate to follow. Attention to detail is obvious, especially the handling of tannins and oak. The integration of these components with the blackcurrant fruit is faultless. 

98 points

Stuart Knox, The Real Review 18 March 2021

Deep and intense ruby core that fades only slightly into the rim. Black fruits, tobacco leaf and cola spices on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, incredibly well-poised with Christmas cake and spice notes rolling around the mouth. Great length and drive into the finish. A delicate hand has built a delicious modern Barossa red. 

97 points

Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 15 July 2021

Deep colour, more developed than expected with a subtle purple tint. The bouquet shows blackcurrant, dried herbs and a hint of crushed leaf, the palate tremendously rich and concentrated but also supple, velvet smooth and extremely long. The smoky, earthy-spice of shiraz appears in tandem with the cassis of cabernet, one more apparent one moment, the other the next. A stunning red, combining the best of both varieties. (Eden Valley cabernet and Barossa Valley shiraz).