2025 Coriole Chenin Blanc, McLaren Vale

From a range of sites, and mostly mature vines (40-year average), fermented in tank, with 5% in old oak. This is one of those wines that you don’t hesitate to grab from the bottle shop – it’s so reliably good and so well priced. That lineage holds here, and then some. Crisp and crunchy, like simultaneously biting into a chilled nashi pear and pink apple, with some lemon, green pistachio, spring flowers and cut herb notes attendant. It’s lightweight and just so dangerously drinkable. Drink to 2028.

92 points Special Value Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, February 2026

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.

Chenin Blanc is Coriole’s principal white variety and was first planted in 1977. The painting featured on the wine’s label is Molly Lloyd’s impression of springtime at the estate. The 2025 was a warm season with early harvest, with the wine a blend of five estate vineyards with the average vine age being forty. Most of the wine only saw stainless steel at the winery, but a small portion was fermented in well-seasoned oak barrels, with extend time on lees for enhanced texture.

The lively nose features floral citrus and nashi pear, with subtle notes of fennel, pistachio and cool herbs. The palate is light, with clean, crunchy apple and pear like fruit. Tangy and lively with good length for a lighter wine.

This is simple in the best possible way, keeping company without asking for too much attention. Good foil for Vietnamese Bánh Xèo crepes or grilled halloumi with a fennel and citrus salad.