2023 The Optimist Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc
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 1977.
“As always, this came off estate vines planted in 1975 to scant brown soils over limestone. An even split of oak and tank, and the typical late release – about three years from harvest. This is the finest iteration I can recall, barely moving into development, though with appealing waxy edges. It’s layered with flavour, running through orchard fruits and blossom, hints of meal and bran, faint honey and quince. And then there’s the palate. The structure that is, with silty grip working in perfect accord with energetic acidity, the persistence impressive. This also has plenty of positive development ahead of it. 95+ points” - Marcus Ellis, Wine Companion
"Pale lemon and vibrant with aromas of lemon peel and orange blossom, vanilla and subtle beeswax. Textured and ripe, with lemon curd on the palate and a seam of chalky acidity. Chewy phenolics on the finish and a lingering lemony tang. 95 points"
Melissa Moore, The Real Review
"This is very good example of Chenin Blanc and it has quite a bit of zip and energy. It’s a bit minty, has a honey pear perfume, a juiciness to fruit, but also keeps itself tight and trim with firm acidity, flinty texture, a sort of bircher muesli richness, with a bright green apple finish of very good length. Excellent. So easy to enjoy. 93 points"
Gary Walsh, The Winefront
Specs
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Vintage: 2023
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Varietal: Chenin Blanc
