TN: A nice enjoyable Shiraz!

Goodness me, I enjoy a nice Shiraz! Not sure when I last tasted one but this Coriole was delic.
The 2018 Coriole Sparta Shiraz is only $24 Cdn, 14.5% alc but quite light in weight and brightly focused. McLaren Vale appellation.
Red berry, pepper and spice. "Velvety" from fellow tasters, quite different from usual style of Shiraz, many/few of which could best be described as fruit bombs. I enjoyed the boysenberry notes and thought Bravo!

[Jenise]

Coriole is a producer we never see in the U.S., but they were a favorite discovery when we tasted around McClaren Vale 20 years ago. Loved the wines, and the property itself is one of the most beautiful anywhere. Glad to see the name again.

I remember visiting there as well. Their Lloyd shiraz is outstanding. And they are making a great many different Italian varieties now too.

I can't remember the last time I had a Australian shiraz either. It's amazing how quickly that ship sailed...

[Jenise]

John, I get it. I typically don't buy Aussie. Parker has just about obliterated the existence of the balanced, sensible Australian wines I used to love. They still exist over there, but here in Washington state, I rarely see anything other than Mollydooler and the goopy low-end grocery store brands like 19 Crimes.

That said, I'm accumulating wine right now for a February Australian tasting I'm doing here in my neighborhood and buying from wine.com because they take a more global approach. Was very surprised and pleased to see wines from Wirra Wirra which if you know Coriole you would also know. They were our other favorite discovery in the MV, and I purchased a few bottles for myself for old time's sake. I also occasionally find old Aussies at auction, super cheap. Like Cape d'Estaing Kangaroo Island cabs and 90's Rosemount Balmorals, which age splendidly.