2025 Joshua Cooper Regional Release Rose

Josh Cooper doesn't treat rosé as an afterthought. Inspired by the serious, age-worthy wines of Southern France - think Domaine Tempier or Clos Cibonne - this is a textural, structured take on the style. It is an interesting blend of Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which he ferments in large old French oak and ages on its lees for 11 months to build genuine depth.

It pours a pale, orangey-salmon in the glass. The nose brings out raspberry, cranberry, and green almond, alongside a nice hit of white pepper and stony minerality. When you take a sip, it strikes a great balance. It is crisp and fresh, but carries a creamy, lees-driven richness and fine, feathery tannins that give it a proper savoury edge.

This isn't just a simple summer drink to serve ice-cold and forget about. It is a fantastic food wine that has the detail to stand up to a serious meal, and it will easily build more spice and complexity if you decide to lose it in the cellar for a few years.

94 points
"Good depth and squishy, slick texture on hand. It feels fuller figured in the rosé landscape but has the requisite sense of freshness and drinkability too... Delightful. Utterly."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)