Cobaw Ridge Chardonnay 2023

Region: Macedon Ranges, Victoria, Australia

Grape: Chardonnay

Vineyard Practice: Organic, Biodynamic

Culinary Suggestions: Roast Pork, Creamy Pasta with Truffle, Poached Salmon, Lobster

Alcohol: 13%

Bottle Size: 750ml

The Cobaw Ridge Chardonnay 2023 offers a compelling, mineral-driven expression of Macedon Ranges terroir. Fresh stone fruit aromas, interwoven with citrus zest and herbaceous notes, lead into a structured, saline finish, showcasing the focused energy typical of this biodynamic vineyard.

Overview

Honest, authentic and passionate are words that we use to describe the wineries we work with and without a doubt, Cobaw Ridge fits this mould perfectly. The winery was established in 1985 by Alan and Nelly Cooper. Vines were planted on granitic, sandy soil in the cool climate Macedon Ranges, on the cusp of the Great Dividing Range at some 610m. Their positioning, in a natural amphitheatre, provides the perfect place to produce terroir-driven wines. 100% estate grown, they are now fully certified organic and biodynamic, something they are very proud of, and deservedly so.

The 2023 Chardonnay reflects the unique site, cultivated without synthetic inputs and crafted with a light hand in the winery. This vintage underwent natural fermentation and aging in a mix of barriques and puncheons, adding a subtle oak influence while preserving the wine's vibrant natural character.

Renowned for its precise, layered structure, the wine combines a core of stone fruit and lemon verbena with an appealingly savoury undercurrent of hazelnut and green almond. Described by critics as "joyful" and "complex," it features a long, mineral-laden finish with fine acidity that brings elegance and depth. This wine exemplifies the Macedon Ranges’ potential for nuanced, site-specific Chardonnay and offers both immediate appeal and cellaring potential for those seeking a refined, terroir-driven white.

Cork Tasting Notes

On the palate, the Cobaw Ridge Chardonnay 2023 presents an intricate balance of vibrant citrus, peach, and floral notes, framed by a refreshing saline minerality. With whispers of honeycomb and white chocolate, the wine’s mouthfeel is smooth yet subtly gripping, leaving a persistent, elegantly savoury impression. Its chiseled texture and structured acidity make it a rewarding experience for enthusiasts of finely crafted Australian Chardonnay.

Critic Reviews

97 points

Mike Bennie, The Wine Front September 2024

The endorphin rush. It’s there. A palpable joy drinking this. It’s the chiseled texture and juicy, bright, saline minerality that sticks around as the memory. Medium to full in character but very, very refreshing. A distinct yellow stone fruits thing going on with a lemon verbena and lemongrass character in that mix. It’s awesome. In this, very light honeycomb notes, a touch of white chocolate, vanilla bean, green almonds and hazelnut savouriness. So even, so persistent, if not gently palate-sticking in character. Complex. Compelling. Complete. Double down on proper character of chardonnay, not tricks and chicanery, just so. Jittery and excited as I sip.

Drink 2024 - 2032