2021 Coriole Reserve Mary Kathleen Cabernet Sauvignon

Mary Kathleen is named after Lloyd family matriarch, Mary Kathleen "Molly" Lloyd, one of Coriole’s founders. It is produced from three small, select vineyards on Coriole estate, planted between 1968 and 1986. The wine was first produced in 1992.
Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced red to black currant and mulberry aromas infused with bay leaf fill the nostrils trailed by some earthy tobacco, black olive and spicy cedar notes. Rich blackcurrant and mulberry fruits are concentrated and powerful yet beautifully refined in their feel. Cedary tobacco characters, subtle earthy black olive and infusions of bay leaf line the back half. Fine grained tannins provide great structure. Superb depth finishing long and detailed.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.2%

Other Reviews….
After grenache, it is McLaren Vale cabernet that I enjoy the most of the Vale's reds. The iodine brininess that adds an additional element to the savoriness and gritty feel of the tannins is a winning regional stamp. The sage, bay leaves, black olives and lilt of garden herbs confer lift. There is ample power, yet good cabernet here is faithful to the variety with just a little more roundness. The case for drinking even more of it is a strong one. An excellent example. Drinkable now, but best from 2028. Screw cap.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.com

From 35-year-old vines, 18 months in French oak (20% new). This is a relatively sumptuous rendition of cabernet, a wine with cascading mulberry, blackcurrant and plum fruit notes, but also one with bell-clear leafy and fragrant varietal definition. Cigar box notes, cassia, cedar, cracked pepper and black tea complex further. Eminently approachable, this also has the drive, verve and stuffing for a long life. Drink by 2038.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion