2025 Dune Tenere Chenin Blanc, McLaren Vale

Dune is the project of brothers Duncan and Peter Lloyd, whose family name runs deep in McLaren Vale through Coriole. The Ténéré — named for one of the world's great desert landscapes — is a different proposition from the Athabasca. Where that wine is pressed early and fermented cleanly in tank, this one spends its entire fermentation on skins before an extended soak, then six months in old French oak hogsheads. No fining, no filtration.

The fruit comes from a neighbouring Blewitt Springs vineyard planted in 1950 on deep sand, older vines than the Athabasca block but similarly farmed without chemicals. The sandy soils and vine age combine to give the fruit a natural freshness and grip that skin contact amplifies rather than overwhelms.

The result sits closer in structure to a light red than a conventional white. Cloudy in the glass, the nose is fragrant and characterful — preserved lemon, peach skin, brine and almond. The palate is waxy and textural, with fine chalky tannins, pear and lemon barley flavours and a saline, tonic-like finish that is persistently refreshing. This is a wine built for the table and best enjoyed with food alongside.

Try it with grilled sardines, charcuterie, aged goat's cheese or anything with enough savouriness to match the wine's structure. Skin contact wines often make for interesting pairing with umami rich East Asian dishes.

Drink now through 2027.