Coriole Sangiovese 2012 (McLaren Vale, SA)
14%, Screwcap, $25
Source: Sample
www.coriole.com
All of which makes this wine exciting. Fittingly, Coriole have some of the oldest Sangiovese plantings in Australia (dating back to 1985) and have been putting considerable effort into refining the Sangiovese (in particular) over recent years, so it’s probably of little surprise that it would be here that we’d start to see encouraging signs.
The appeal here methinks is just how varietal it is – sure, Jefford may decry varietal correctness as some sort of global homogeneity to be avoided but there is an unquestioned joy to be had when you smell a Sangiovese that actually smells like Sangiovese grapes. And this smells like Sangiovese grapes.
From the outset there is that famous ‘forest berries’ aroma telltale along with olive tapenade and a hint of roast lamb. The palate too is dry and, wonderfully, driven by gritty, sandpaper tannins that start at the front of your mouth like proper Brunello tannins. Sure, the slightly broad mid-palate and highish alcohol brings you back to earth again, but gee everything else about this is dry, savoury and very serious.
A triumph of a wine, at a ridiculous price. Sure the score isn’t sky-high, but in context this is an absolute winner.
Drink: 2013-2020
Score: 18/20, 93/100
Would I buy it? Yes. On a restaurant list I’d buy this for sure (though I’d want a year or two on it)
2 Comments
sounds good Andrew, how does it compare with Pizzini sangio? I always liked that one
Wine accessories are important to wine drinkers because they provide the best possible experience and flavor of the wine. Storing your wine in a good temperature and keeping the cork wet by storing the bottle on its side are both important things in keeping your wine in good condition.
Wine Accessories Australia