2024 Coriole Estate Sparta Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Coriole was founded in 1967 by Hugh and Molly Lloyd after purchasing their Chaffeys Road property in McLaren Vale with its existing Shiraz vineyard. Today, the second and third-generation family members are the caretakers of a much-enlarged viticultural heritage, with 25 vineyard sites across Blewitt Springs, Willunga and McLaren Flat, and vines up to 90 years old.

The Sparta Shiraz is made from fruit grown in the Galaxidia vineyard planted in 1998. Mostly planted to the old Bob Hardy clone of Shiraz, it faces north and features red brown loamy soils over limestone. The original owners of this vineyard came from the countryside surrounding Sparta, Greece. 2024 required extensive work in the vineyard during the unusually high rainfalls of early summer, but conditions were favourable for the rest of the season, with good quality and varietal expressions.

The rich blue and darker fruit aromas are flanked by notable inclusions of ferrous sweet earth, smoked smallgoods and a floral lift. Ripe and dense fruit that dips into tapenade and licorice. A strong line of freshness runs through the wine.

The suits food that leans into the smoky, iodine and ferrous notes. A project for the weekend grill, start with grilled whole squid with garlic, olive oil and silverbeet, and continue the party with slow-roasted lamb with anchovy, rosemary and green olives.