2024 Cobaw Ridge Chardonnay

Situated 610 meters above sea level and overseeing Central Victoria, the Cobaw Ridge vines thrive in the granite-rich mountain soil, working hard to produce well-balanced grapes. This unique site's challenges, combined with the Cooper's dedication to sustainable and natural practices, result in wines that truly reflect their origin and time. No additives, fining, filtration, or stabilization are applied, except for minimal sulphites before bottling.

Cobaw Ridge Chardonnay sees the grapes whole bunch pressed, settled overnight in a tank, then transferred to French oak (25% new). A slow, natural fermentation occurs in the barrel over 12 months, followed by an additional 3 months in a tank to settle on the lees. Full malolactic fermentation takes place, and the wine is not filtered, with only a small SO2 addition.

Other Reviews....
There seems to be a general sense of relief in the somewhat rote growing season of 2024. So too, Cobaw had a good ‘un. The discussion is of course how Cobaw Ridge has long been known for being very transparent to vintage, indeed, some would say that wines of the past may have been polarising for such in some perceived highs and lows; for me this is verity I seek from things I tend to drink. Kudos.
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. Truth be told, for more ‘Cobaw Ridge chardonnay’ the l’altra 2024 is probably more what many will expect. That being said, this is high quality gear regardless. Drink 2025 - 2035+.
95 points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front