Coriole Vineyards “The Optimist” Reserve Chenin Blanc 2005 Thursday, Feb 28 2008
Tasting Notes and Australia and McLaren Vale and Variety and White and other whites
The optimist looks at the donut whilst the pessimist looks at the hole. Could this explain my increasing level of portliness? I know I don’t spend a great deal of time looking at holes; I’m in the wrong profession for that. Anyway, this is a single vineyard wine that sees a bit of oak and barrel ferment action. I like what they are doing here. In fact, I like it a lot. You know you’re talking so hip you’re twisting my melons man.
Plenty going on here with green melon, gin and tonic (with a slice of lemon rind), cucumber, spice, grilled nuts and some smoky barrel ferment characters. On the palate medium to full bodied with crisp acidity, a touch of sweetness to balance and a rich creamy texture - although the overall impression is one of freshness. It tastes a bit like gin and tonic sorbet with additional flavours of melon, green herbs and a little spice. Finishes clean with good length and a lemon rind and spice aftertaste. If a change is as good as a holiday, then I feel positively refreshed.
Rated : 93 PointsTasted : Feb08
Alcohol : 13%
Price : $30
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2008 - 2011
Source : Winery Sample
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February 28th, 2008 at 7:21 pm| Quote |
hmm a challenging sell i’d say
February 28th, 2008 at 7:34 pm| Quote |
Hence the name..but the best local Chenin I have had. A pleasant surprise.
GW
February 28th, 2008 at 9:21 pm| Quote |
Ditto - who would have thought !
JP
February 28th, 2008 at 9:21 pm| Quote |
What is the competition, apart from Voyager?
GD
February 29th, 2008 at 6:51 am| Quote |
Peel Estate. Australian Chenin is pretty often underwhelming but I’d say Coriole have managed to polish the proverbial turd here
GW
February 29th, 2008 at 6:10 pm| Quote |
Yes. Tough sell.
February 29th, 2008 at 7:04 pm| Quote |
…and good on them for trying. Imagine a life awash with insipid Penis Gris, er, I mean Pinot Grim.
March 1st, 2008 at 6:43 am| Quote |
Agreed… but it isn’t exactly a Vouvray rolling out the years!
March 1st, 2008 at 8:40 am| Quote |
Interesting really to look at a combination of trend and enthusiasm for a grape. I’d have about
4+ dozen Sauvignon Blanc
2 dozen Pinot Gris/Grigio or more
1.5 dozen Verdelho
1 dozen Viognier
in the tasting pile.
Quite keen on the Verdelho mind you.
GW
March 1st, 2008 at 5:35 pm| Quote |
Sounds interesting. And long may this Happy Mondays referencing in wine reviewing continue. Y’know, next time you’re stinkin thinkin about Brett problems and the like…