- McLaren Vale, SA - $21-$34
- Screwcap (Stelvin-Lux)
- 14.5%alc
Coriole's estate release is one of my favourite renditions of a medium-term Australian shiraz. It's performed very well across recent even-numbered vintages (2002-94pts, 2004-94pts, 2006-93pts), which leads us to the just released 2007. With yields down 2007 was a challenging year for most of South Australia, but I'm unsure why I paid such a meagre price for this ($21 at retail!?).
As to be expected for the vintage, the 2007 is more dark fruited and riper than usual, with a slightly raisined bouquet of dark plums, cassis, toasty oak, cinnamon and menthol. The charmingly balanced palate does a fine job of harmonising its components, presenting a fluid, velvet-like texture packed with currant, liqueur black raspberry and fine-grained cedar oak notes defined by a firming extract of dry, sandy tannins. There's good length, positive structure and even a trace of Coriole's classic sour-edged fruit, making the whole experience remarkably consistent to the house style.
O Treading cautiously within its season's limitations, this finely honed and measured Coriole Shiraz has once again surpassed my expectations. Kudos to its harmonious yet intense interplay of structure, length and most of all; mouthfeel. Give it time (either in the decanter or in the cellar). Drink 2011-2015.
89 points
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