2024 Cobaw Ridge Chardonnay

Alan and Nelly Cooper planted Cobaw Ridge in the late ’80s on a steep patch of granite high in the Macedon Ranges. They’ve been farming organically and biodynamically for decades now, building a reputation for wines that reflect their tough, cool site rather than winemaking tricks.

Their Chardonnay comes from a small block of dry-grown vines that sit at about 610 metres above sea level – one of the highest in Victoria. The fruit is hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and fermented naturally in old oak, where it stays on lees until bottling. No fining, no excess oak, just clean fruit and time to find balance.

The 2024 release is tight and mineral with citrus, stone fruit and a bit of almond through the finish. It’s pure and unadorned Macedon Ranges, and one of our favourite Chardys of the year.

95 points
"there’s supreme drinkability here, fine detail in the nuance and spectrum of fruit characters. "
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)