2022 Coriole Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale

From estate vines planted in '86; raised in French oak (about 25% new) for 18 months. Though impeccably varietal, this skips any overt leafiness, leaning into cedar, mulberry, cassis, currant and a toasted nori regional note. Lifted cabernet perfume is there, though, along with both power and a certain refinement of delivery, with tannins expertly managed to pair with fruit weight. It’s fine value.

93 points Special Value Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion

I often say I prefer McLaren Vale Cabernet to Shiraz, though that’s maybe just me.

Blackcurrant, blackberry, an iodine or seaweed thing, aniseed and dark tobacco, with a little cedar oak. It’s medium-bodied. It’s medium-bodied, has a savoury tobacco and black olive flavour, tempered by sweet dark fruit, a little autumnal and mulchy, but in a nice Cabernet way, a chamois-like grip to tannin, with a tobacco laced finish of good length and freshness. Stylish wine. Thoroughly varietal (and note the correct usage of that oft murdered word). I like it.

 93 points Gary Walsh for The Wine Front

Coriole is one of McLaren Vale's most respected family wineries, founded in 1967 when Hugh and Molly Lloyd purchased the historic estate overlooking the rolling hills of the region. More than five decades later, the Lloyd family remains at the heart of the winery, with Mark Lloyd and winemaker Duncan Lloyd continuing a tradition of producing wines that balance regional character with elegance and longevity. Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of the estate's strengths, delivering a distinctly McLaren Vale expression of this classic variety.

The 2022 vintage provided excellent conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing fruit to ripen fully while retaining freshness and structure. Sourced from mature estate vineyards, the wine reflects the influence of McLaren Vale's warm climate, cooling coastal breezes and diverse soils. Careful oak maturation adds complexity and polish without overshadowing the fruit, resulting in a wine that is both approachable and age worthy.

Deep crimson red in colour, the bouquet reveals aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry layered with notes of cedar, bay leaf and dried herbs. As the wine opens, hints of tobacco leaf, dark chocolate and subtle spice emerge, adding complexity and depth. The palate is beautifully balanced, combining concentrated cassis and dark berry fruits with fine grained tannins and vibrant acidity. A savoury thread runs through the wine, leading to a long finish marked by black fruits, cedar and spice.

This is a superb partner for roast lamb, chargrilled ribeye, beef Wellington, slow braised beef cheeks or a mushroom and lentil pie. Enjoyable now with a decant, it has the structure and balance to reward patient cellaring over the next decade and beyond.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2038.