For many years Coriole Vineyards has been one of the main proponents of this variety in Australia. It was first planted in 1985 with the aim of being a contrasting style to Shiraz, the great tradition of McLaren Vale. It has proved to be ideally suited to the warm maritime climate of the region producing wines of natural ripeness and acidity. It shows pleasing aroma and red fruit flavours. Its natural tannins and savoury style has proved it to be a quiet achiever on the Australian table. The current vintage 2008 is the 22nd release.
 
At this young stage, the wine is guarded when first opened. With breathing, the smell of ripe, dark cherries emerges, promising big fruit to come. The nose has a touch of menthol, with cinnamon and basil. The wine shows a richness but with little apparent sweetness to the fruit. The finish retains long, complex texture with enough natural acid to satisfy, and then clean white pepper takes over, savoury as required, with very fine dry tannin

Better known than Coriole's nebbiolo, its sangiovese is one of its pioneering Italian varietals. This one is a combination of McLaren Vale generosity and sangiovese restraint. Dense red-cherry fruits and some savoury earthiness are tied together by a taut, firm finish. The perfect introduction to this classic Italian variety. 4½ Fergus McGhie

Impressive, fresh red berry and cherry aromas with a complex savoury overtone. The palate is supple, framed by fine tannins. Excellent Value. Highly Recommended; Winewise, Lester Jesberg (Australia), 01 Dec 09

'Brunello clone' shouts the bold black and white label. Coriole was one of the early movers with sangiovese, if not the first, but this clone is a recent arrival. It has good colour, and at least in this vintage, offers a balance of varietal fruit and tannins. Much promise. Screwcap. 13.5% alc. Rating 90 Points; Drink 2014 $30 Date Tasted Feb 09 James Halliday