Cobaw Ridge High Density Pinot Noir 2024

Cobaw Ridge High Density Pinot Noir 2024

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. From a vineyard planted in 2011, with a density of just under 7000 vines per hectare. It comprises various clones, including 777, Q390-02, Pommard, Able, 115, and MV6. In this vintage, 5% whole bunch and 35% new oak were used. It offers a richer expression compared to the 'Original Black,' emphasizing dark fruits like cherry and plum.

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