This vineyard was planted in 1919 at the bottom of the hill side at Coriole. This is a very exciting release and one of the most complete and composed wines ever from this vineyard. Yields were low in 2016 and our total production was 10 barrels or 330 dozen.
A very aromatic vintage of Lloyd Shiraz showing mulberry, plum, rose perfume, sweet spice and soy. A plush and full entry that continues with dense and unfurling layers of tannin. The tannins, whilst plentiful, are fine and long giving great persistence and presence. The palate is full bodied but elegant with some dark floral notes, berries and a subtle ferrous note.
2016 was a superb vintage in McLaren Vale and the resulting wines have proven to be outstanding. A warm and settled spring led to good fruit set, and a warm December started off ripening beautifully. In January we received a solid rainfall event after which the weather was mild and settled. This led to a long and leisurely ripening period.
"Deep purple/red colour, youthful and bright. The bouquet is rich ripe plummy and blackberry, plum cake and a hint of linseed (from oak?). Full-bodied, powerful, concentrated yet elegant, with beautifully-tailored tannins which are smooth and supple, the finish elegant and very long. A superb wine. 98 points"
Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“From the 1919 estate planting, hand-picked, whole berries open-fermented, 10 days on skins, matured for 19 months in barrel and 2 years in bottle before release. An extremely focused and regal wine, its future virtually unlimited. Savoury black fruits, earth and dark chocolate are joined together at the hip, a bond that won't be broken. 97 points”
James Halliday
"A very powerful and flavor-charged shiraz that has a wealth of rich and ripe red berries with a neatly arranged, spicy thread, too. The palate has a smooth, plush and vivid core of fresh, mulberry and plum flavor. The tannins are silky and long. Drink or hold. 94 points"
James Suckling
"Outstanding expression of modern McLaren Vale shiraz made from century-old vines. Bright, seductive blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, wrapped up in a blanket of firm but supple, well-moulded tannin."
Max Allen