Mike Bennie

The Wine Front 95 Points

There seems to be a general sense of relief in the somewhat rote growing season of 2024. So too, Cobaw had a good ‘un. The discussion is of course how Cobaw Ridge has long been known for being very transparent to vintage, indeed, some would say that wines of the past may have been polarising for such in some perceived highs and lows; for me this is verity I seek from things I tend to drink. Kudos.

This is quite distinct in its make up. A more crystalline, lime juice driven chardonnay of freshness, brightness and very subtle, if not barely there savoury elements that so often are the calling cards of this wine. Chalky too, pristine fruit in a bind of saline minerality, pink grapefruit freshness and a talc-like element too. It sits at medium weight of slightly lighter, it’s minerally, generally, to stutter. While the layers may be hiding at present, the primary fruit the focus, there’s supreme drinkability here, fine detail in the nuance and spectrum of fruit characters. Truth be told, for more ‘Cobaw Ridge chardonnay’ the l’altra 2024 is probably more what many will expect. That being said, this is high quality gear regardless.

Ryan Montgomery

James Suckling 96 Points

Textural and pithy, with lovely depth of flavor yet still carrying a fine touch of reduction. Aromas of lemon peel, stone fruit, orange blossoms, flint, granite and grapefruit. The palate is mid-weighted, with a bright line of acidity and a textural mouthfeel cut through by high-tension freshness. A delicious chardonnay with real purity, grown on granitic soils. Drink or hold.