Coriole Vineyards have produced Chenin Blanc in McLaren Vale since the late 1970s. Traditionally released as a fresh young style; Coriole Chenin Blanc has developed a loyal following with white wine drinkers across Australia.

"The Optimist" is a dry and savoury style that shows the great capacity of the variety to age. The wine is produced from a single vineyard planted at Coriole in 1975.

The cooler site for this vineyard is over limestone soils giving the fruit more minerality and drive. The natural acidity is a standout for this block which enhances its cellaring potential. Handpicked and pressed to tank, we run off 50% of the free run for barrel fermentation. The final wine is blended after an extended time on lees and cellared on-site before release.

"From the same 1975 plantings; half seasoned oak and half steel for nine months, then three years in bottle before release. Like the '21, this is cresting out of primary notes, with development having a clear say, but, like that wine, it is just as connected to its youthful side. Poached apple, Bosc pear, lemon pith and curd, straw, a flintiness. There’s subtly slippery texture and pithiness, finishing with a flourish of clean acidity. It’s fine value for the three years of ideal cellaring done for you. 93 points"
Marcus Ellis, Wine Companion 

"Pear and apple, hazelnut and mint. It’s juicy with plenty of white fleshed fruit, balanced acidity, aniseed and a bit of a sappy green herb character, pear juice, green apple with cinnamon and pasty, a clean and juicy apple finish of good length. Some lemon peel and herb to close. It’s a nice wine. Ample. 92 points"
Gary Walsh, The Winefront

"Bright and lively in the glass, mid-straw in colour. Lifted aromas of baked pear, vanilla, nutty oak, peach, citrus pith and sweet spice. Creamy, nutty, textured and mouth-filling. There's lashings of stone fruit, pithy, saline acidity and a creamy nuttiness. Long and layered. 91 points"
Aaron Brasher, The Real Review

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