2023 Koerner Vivian Sangiovese

95 pts
A vibrant and youthful Sangiovese from Damon Koerner.

Price:
Sale price$45.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 1 unit left
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Description

Damon Koerner has a real knack for taking Clare fruit and making it feel fresh, bright and unforced. His Vivian Sangiovese comes off a block planted in 1998, grown on heavier clay over limestone that gives the wine just the right amount of weight behind all that juicy red fruit.

The 2023 is classic Damon - handpicked, naturally fermented, raised in big old Slavonian oak before a stint in steel. No tricks, no heavy-handed winemaking, just letting the vineyard speak. In the glass it’s all sour cherry, cranberry and a touch of blood orange, with a herbal lift and fine, chalky tannins pulling it into line.

At 12.5% alcohol it’s light on its feet but still has enough savoury grip to keep things interesting. Call it Sangiovese or Nielluccio if you like - either way, it’s an easy, food-friendly red that shows off the bright, crunchy side of the Clare. A wine to open midweek, but one that still has plenty of detail if you want to pay attention and surely one of the best iterations of the variety in South Australia these days.

James Suckling

James Suckling

James Suckling 94 Points

Luscious aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, rose petals, blood oranges and dried strawberries. The plush palate has a medium-bodied mouthfeel, nervy acidity and finely tuned, drying tannins. Classic bright-fruited sangiovese notes. Real vibrancy and structure. 12.5% alcohol from a cool vintage. Will evolve nicely in bottle. Drink or hold.

Planted in 1998, this is one of the older Sangiovese plantings in the area. The block is tucked in-between the Saciacarello and Cabernet in our Vivian vineyard, on heavier dark clay over limestone. The denser clay soil is important to build body into a lower alcohol red wine.

We have been making wine from this block for nine years and it remains one of our favourites to work with. Generally we see flavour ripeness at around 12 baume, with lots of acidity and fresh tannins. The final wine has an alcohol content of 12.5%.

Time on skins is around 3 weeks, with a mix of pump overs and hand plunging. Maturation occurred in 2000L foudre for 15 months, followed by an additional six months in stainless steel. The wine was bottled with 60ppm total SO2 added and no fining or filtration. It has been bottle aged for 6 months before release in July 2025.

Price Bracket $41 to $50
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Sangiovese
Country Australia
Region Clare Valley
Australian State SA
Feature High Score
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
James Suckling
Critic Score 95
94
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Cork

Koerner

Growing up in Clare Valley, Damon Koerner developed a deep connection with the region's rich wine history. In 2014, he and his brother Jono launched Koerner Wines to bring fresh energy to their home turf, creating vibrant, modern wines that feel both distinctly Clare and cutting-edge.

Koerner Wines is all about blending tradition with innovation. Damon’s organically-minded approach and contemporary techniques – like fermenting and ageing in clay amphora – result in wines that are bright, food-friendly, and ideally suited to Australia’s climate.

Using his family’s Gullyview vineyard alongside nearby plots, Damon works with Clare Valley classics like Riesling and Cabernet, while also embracing more unique varieties like Carignan, Sciacarello, and top-notch Vermentino. His wines showcase Clare Valley’s diversity, revealing unexpected sides of this iconic region. With a recent expansion into the Adelaide Hills, the range continues to grow and mature.

As one of Australia’s most celebrated young winemakers, Damon Koerner is redefining what Clare Valley & Adelaide Hills wines can be. If you haven’t tried Koerner Wines yet, it’s high time to explore these excellent South Australian vinos.

Damon Koerner in his Adelaide Hills winery Koerner

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