Cobaw Ridge L'altra Red Blend 2024

Cobaw Ridge L'altra Syrah Pinot 2022

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. The l'altra is a mix of 90% Syrah (pressed as Rose) with Pinot Noir pressings and Lagrein, aged in old oak. 

This is somewhere between Tavel Rose and a serious Beaujolais in colour and weight - l'Anglore-esque really. For all the hype that we get with Pelaverga this is very similar in colour and speed, albeit without the Piedmontese tannin edge - this is more fanning and open knit in a slurpy, delicious manner. Think red licorice, pomegranate and cherry pit with those little edges of campari and orange rind. Bright and zesty with generous texture, but the balance between bright and fun wine and something with more seriousness traverses on the acid line - and this is zinging and fresh, adding depth. Serious "fun" wine.

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 dialling in enough interest – that’s what I am leaning into. Vibrant and inviting. 93 Points Mike Bennie - The Wine Front