2025 Dune Athabasca Chenin Blanc, McLaren Vale

Dune is the project of brothers Duncan and Peter Lloyd, next generation of the Lloyd family whose name has long been synonymous with McLaren Vale wine through Coriole. Their focus is a single organically farmed vineyard in the Blewitt Springs subregion — a cooler, sandier corner of the Vale that retains natural acidity well and is proving an increasingly compelling home for varieties beyond the region's famous reds.

Chenin Blanc from these sandy soils over clay has a distinctly fresh, aromatic character. Fruit is pressed to tank with a portion of pressings and high lees included, fermented wild and then transferred to old French oak hogsheads for six months of maturation — enough to add texture and complexity without imposing oak character on the wine.

The 2025 is fragrant and inviting with preserved lemon, jasmine and white nectarine on the nose, and ginger and camomile threading through. The palate is soft and creamy in texture, with ripe lemon, red apple and a mellow but persistent acidity carrying through to a clean, refreshing finish.

Pour well chilled alongside grilled fish, goat's cheese or a Thai-inspired dish with citrus and herbs.

Drink now through 2027.