DUNE THE EMPTY QUARTER

This is a seriously impressive modern McLaren Vale blend from brothers Duncan and Peter Lloyd, the next generation of the Coriole family, and it has plenty of personality. Although it sits broadly in the GSM mould, the addition of Touriga Nacional and Cinsault gives the wine another layer of interest. There’s loads of dark raspberry, plum and blueberry fruit, along with liquorice, dried herbs, pepper and a slightly earthy, scorched character. The palate is rich and generous, but it never feels heavy. The tannins are polished and velvety, the fruit is juicy and concentrated, and there’s enough savoury character to keep everything nicely balanced. Lush, powerful and beautifully composed, this is a cracking McLaren Vale red that delivers far more complexity than you might expect for the money.