2018 Coriole Lloyd Reserve Shiraz, McLaren Vale

100+yo vines on original rootstock. A concentrated wine with an impressive thrust of vinosity. A firm chassis of alloyed tannin and salty acidity corral blue/black-fruit aspersions, smoked-meat barrel-ferment aromas and iodine into a sheath of power and tension. The oak, nestled into the fray. This will live long.

96 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au June 2021

Sourced from some of McLaren Vale’s most mature and low yielding vineyards, this reserve bottling represents the pinnacle of Coriole’s Shiraz program. The Lloyd Reserve is only made in standout vintages, drawing on old vine fruit that delivers natural concentration, depth and structure. McLaren Vale’s warm days, cooling coastal breezes and ironstone rich soils provide ideal conditions for Shiraz of power and savoury complexity, while Coriole’s long history in the region brings a refined, classic touch to the style.

The colour is deep, inky crimson with purple highlights. Aromas are intense and layered, showing blackberry, black plum and dark cherry, followed by liquorice, black pepper, cedar and hints of dark chocolate. The palate is full bodied and richly textured, with dense dark fruit framed by firm, polished tannins and a bright acid line that keeps the wine balanced and composed. There is a deep savoury core and long, structured finish that signal serious cellar potential.

Superb with slow cooked lamb, grilled steak, beef ribs, rich casseroles and aged hard cheeses. While impressive now with decanting, it is built to cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, evolving toward more earthy, leathery and spice driven complexity.