2025 Coriole Rose, McLaren Vale

90/10% sangiovese/mataro; fermented and matured in 75/25% tank/old oak. Coral pink in the glass, with sophisticated aromatics. Pink grapefruit, wild cherry, tamarind, rose and cinnamon. Decidedly dry, racy, lightly grippy, textural, flavourful and also savoury. Very good.

93 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

One of McLaren Vale’s long running benchmarks for dry rosé, this wine reflects Coriole’s Mediterranean mindset and decades of experience working with southern varieties. The estate has championed savoury, food driven styles since the 1970s, and the rosé follows that philosophy, built for the table rather than simple sweetness. Fruit comes from warm Vale vineyards cooled by sea breezes, where long ripening delivers flavour depth while retaining freshness.

The blend leans toward Mediterranean varieties, giving more texture and savoury detail than many delicate rosés. Winemaking is clean and precise, preserving bright fruit while allowing a gentle phenolic edge that adds grip and length. The result is a rosé with substance, designed to drink like a light red rather than a simple refresher.

In the glass it shows a luminous salmon pink. Aromas open with wild strawberry, raspberry and blood orange, followed by rose petal, herbs and a faint savoury spice. There is a sun warmed generosity balanced by lifted freshness.

The palate is dry and medium bodied for a rosé, with red berry fruit wrapped in crisp acidity and a subtle textural grip. Flavours echo the nose, strawberry, citrus and savoury herbs, finishing clean and mouthwatering. The wine feels bright but grounded, refreshing yet structured.

It shines with charcuterie, grilled seafood, salads, Mediterranean dishes and anything involving olive oil and herbs. Served lightly chilled, it becomes a perfect warm weather table wine. Best enjoyed young for its vibrancy, though it will hold comfortably for two to three years.

This is rosé with backbone, a McLaren Vale classic that favours flavour, texture and food friendliness over fragility.