CORIOLE Lloyd Reserve Shiraz - McLaren Vale, South Australia 2018 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
The Coriole Lloyd Reserve Shiraz 2018 from McLaren Vale is a remarkable expression of the region, receiving a stellar 96 points from James Suckling, who notes its depth, power, and precision, with enticing flavors of dark fruit and smoked meats. Similarly, The Real Review awarded it 96 points, highlighting its rich dark berry profile intertwined with peppery spices and a phenomenal finish. Wine Companion also scored it 96 points, emphasizing its intense core of dark fruits, refined oak influence, and substantial tannins. With vines over 100 years old and a commitment to minimal intervention, this full-bodied Shiraz showcases the intricate character of McLaren Vale, making it an exceptional choice for wine enthusiasts and a delight to savor now or age further.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Coriole Lloyd Reserve Shiraz 2018 from the McLaren Vale region is a distinguished wine that embodies the rich heritage of this renowned South Australian wine area. Coriole Vineyards, with its history dating back to 1967, has established itself as a purveyor of high-quality, regionally expressive wines, and the Lloyd Reserve Shiraz is a prime example of this commitment.

The 2018 vintage showcases fruit sourced from meticulously tended old vines, benefiting from the unique terroir of McLaren Vale, which is characterised by its Mediterranean climate and diverse soils. This Shiraz is crafted with precision, highlighting the estate's philosophy of minimal intervention to allow the genuine character of the grapes to shine through.

Upon pouring, the wine reveals a deep, intense colour, hinting at the concentrated flavours within. The nose is captivating, offering a sumptuous bouquet of dark fruits, including blackberry, plum, and cherry, intertwined with complex aromas of dark chocolate, hints of spice, and earthy undertones. These layers create an inviting aromatic profile that entices the senses.

On the palate, the Lloyd Reserve Shiraz is full-bodied and generous, showcasing a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins that provide structure and depth. The palate mirrors the nose, with rich fruit flavours complemented by subtle oak influence, adding complexity to the wine. The finish is long and satisfying, marked by a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and spice, ensuring a delightful lingering experience.

Ideal for enjoying now, this Shiraz also has excellent aging potential, allowing it to evolve beautifully over the coming years. Coriole Lloyd Reserve Shiraz 2018 is a testament to the artistry of winemaking in McLaren Vale, making it a fantastic choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a rich, flavourful, and elegantly crafted Shiraz. Whether paired with hearty dishes or enjoyed on its own, it promises to deliver an exceptional tasting experience.

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points
A shiraz of depth, power and impressive precision. Palate-staining dark fruit, licorice, kirsch and smoked meats. There is ample oak, and yet despite the tannic mettle and powerful extract, this is a wine of considerable poise and grace. In other words, it doesn't feel heavy. Superb length and glimpses of the many layers as they unravel with each visit back to the glass. Best after 2028.
Ned Goodwin MW

THE REAL REVIEW 96 points
Ink black at its centre, deepest purple into the rim. Heady aromatics of blueberry, beef stock, black pepper and iodine. Palate is packed heavily with ripe and plush dark berry fruits, intertwined with peppery spices, dried herbs and bloody hints. Tannins wrap the body well, keeping it slightly compressed so tension and drive is maintained ensuring a phenomenal length to the finish.
Stuart Knox,

WINE COMPANION 96 points
From vines over 100 years old; matured in French oak, about 25% new. This feels the more ‘traditional’ of the 2021 reserve shiraz bottlings, with a typically dense core of dark fruits adorned with star anise, bitter chocolate, laurel, brewed coffee, turned earth and a gentle but apparent sheen of oak. It’s a powerful wine with substantial tannin, but the evolving stewardship of the younger Lloyds has been fine-tuning the portfolio for a little while now, with this suitably refined, if perhaps appealing to drinkers with a little nostalgia for headier times. Either way, it’s a keenly crafted and balanced wine of place.
Marcus Ellis

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ABOUT CORIOLE
Nestling between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the white, sandy beaches of the Gulf of St Vincent McLaren Vale is one of South Australia’s oldest, most picturesque wine regions. It is also one of the greenest, with its ongoing water use efficiency strategies and commitment to environmental sustainability.

It was here that the Lloyd family established their winery in 1969, on the predominantly terra rossa soils – soils favouring deep-coloured, well-structured red wines with great capacity for ageing. They released their first Shiraz in 1970, and now regularly win awards – indeed the Lloyd Reserve Shiraz is one of McLaren Vale’s greatest. Coriole have just started the certification process to organic – whilst they’ve farmed organically for many years they have now taken the decision to certify, a process they tell us feels harder and more time-consuming than the organic viticulture itself!

In January 2025, during our visit to Australia, we were met by brothers Peter & Duncan Lloyd who are the second generation of the Lloyd family to look after the winery. After a tour of the vineyards it is clear to see they are doing some amazing work ensuring the vines and grapes are grown and picked in the very best conditions possible.

This quality fruit is then expertly crafted into beautiful, elegant, fruit-forward, balanced wines that will be a joy to drink as soon as they arrive but will last for 10-20 years in your cellar.