This one's that extra bit special, we couldn't help present it on its own!
This past week has seen the ever-anticipated yearly release for the wines of Cobaw Ridge hit the scene; one of Macedon's most celebrated sons! 1985 marked the year Alan and Nelly Cooper (parents of equally-talented wine mind Josh Cooper) laid their first vines down there in the Ranges. All planted on granitic sandy soils, combined with the region's typically cool climate, it results in whites and reds that always hold bright vivid acidity, ample fruit flavour, and a driving yet poised sense of power. Transitioning to organic viticulture in 2005, and biodynamics in 2011, all their fruit is hand-picked to maintain the integrity of each grape, making for a winemaking regime that is both parts sustainable and holistic. In our minds, these guys are viticultural royalty!
To best celebrate these recent arrivals, we have Alan himself in to host this Friday's tasting (24th), pouring six of his great creations between 4 and 7pm, starting with the fan-favourite Il Pinko Syrah Rosé and vibrant chillable blended red known as L'Altra, before having a try of his mineral-speckled 2024 Chardonnay, Original Block/High Density Pinot Noir duo, and utterly unique expression of Syrah.
We hope you can make it in to hear from this winemaking legend, but any fans who can't quite attend fret not - all the wines will stay on special for the next week, should you be interested in diving into (or cellaring) his latest efforts!
Cobaw Ridge - The Latest Releases on Special & Tasting!
Friday 24th October
4 - 7pm
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Il Pinko Syrah Rosé 2023 -
$46 on special this week; $52 RRP
"A richer syrah rosé but not without the coolness of the site and reflective, briny mineral charm, bright acidity and light shimmer of slate-like tannin. Red cherry, tart raspberry, a bit of anise, a touch of white pepper and pine needle. It’s super refreshing, feels complex and layered in its personality. Flavours go on and on. Texture resets with each sip. What’s not to like? A ripper." - 94 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
L'Altra 2024 -
$49 on special this week; $55 RRP
// Blend of Syrah, Pinot Noir & Lagrein
"It’s delicious, it’s bright, it has a light crunch and crisp edges. It feels relatively straight forward, very light weight, but there’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into in terms of red cherry, a lick of maraschino cherry, a dash of fennel/aniseed, some faint game meat notes and doses of alpine herb – enough on for those seeking a little solace in detail. Then again, it’s got this sense of fun while also dialing in enough interest – that’s what I am leaning into. Vibrant and inviting." - 93 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
Chardonnay 2024 -
$89 on special this week; $99 RRP
"This is quite distinct in its make up. A more crystalline, lime juice driven chardonnay of freshness, brightness and very subtle, if not barely there savoury elements that so often are the calling cards of this wine. Chalky too, pristine fruit in a bind of saline minerality, pink grapefruit freshness and a talc-like element too. It sits at medium weight of slightly lighter, it’s minerally, generally, to stutter. While the layers may be hiding at present, the primary fruit the focus, there’s supreme drinkability here, fine detail in the nuance and spectrum of fruit characters." - 95 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
Original Block Pinot Noir 2024 -
$89 on special this week; $99 RRP
"Rhubarb, green mulberry, sappy herbs, white pepper, a quenching affect but also a little drying (like a slice of persimmon can do). This is a curious but compelling, really enjoyable wine, but it sure sits outside the box. Yes, a bit of red berry fruitiness through all this too, and a touch of rose petal in the perfume alongside aforementioned characters, but with a bigger dose of white pepper there. A little thickness and a haze in texture. Like a humid, cool, foggy morning. Tastes also like a wet orchard, flower patch and adjacent veggie garden. Really refreshing. Plenty to see in each sip. This is very good in its way. Nourishing and super drinkable. Love it." - 95 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
Syrah 2024 -
$89 on special this week; $99 RRP
"It’s got a swish to texture, levity, purity of fruit, but swagger too. The first thing that came to mind was ‘black olives’ then ‘black cherry’ then you get the cavalcade of game meat savouriness dosed with exotic spice, cola, alpine herbs, black pepper and beetroot earthy-sweetness. It’s got surprising concentration and depth, yet the shimmy of silky, granitic tannins does wonders for tension and refreshing the palate, the wine sits at medium weight and extends long on its cherry-olive credentials. It’s beautiful, balanced, energetic, flowing. A wine of immense charm and interest." - 95 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
High Density Pinot Noir 2024 -
$123 on special this week; $139 RRP
"This is a meatier, plusher expression than expected but not without lift, perfume, herbal nuance, mineral charm, savouriness, a core of energetic acidity. And, importantly, and gee whiz, there is so much spice here. Brown spices invade on beef jerky, dried cranberry, dark cherry characters. A bit of Chinese salted, preserved plum too. It’s exotic, wild in a way, but also feels very elegant and harmonious. I say ‘thank you for character’ with pinot, it’s a world away from the dull fine wine paradigms of primped and preened polish, marching emphatically to its own beat. Loaded with character. Yum, yes thanks, more please Sir." - 96 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above
Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions.
// Special prices valid until Wednesday the 29th of October