Description
Joshua Cooper is making a real name for himself as one of the most exciting young winemakers in the country, and Cabernet is where his heart really lies. We recently tasted this Balgownie Vineyard Cabernet with Josh and to be honest, it blew us away.
It comes off the original 1970 plantings at Balgownie in Bendigo, a site that’s been producing seriously good Cabernet for decades. Old vines like these don’t muck around – the fruit comes off with natural depth and balance, and Josh’s low-intervention approach lets that character shine.
The 2024 vintage delivered fruit with great concentration - probably moreso then in recent years - but also with his typical freshness, so the wine has plenty of flavour without being over the top. It’s structured and age-worthy, but still shows enough generosity to be enjoyed now if you give it a decent decant. Think dark fruits, a bit of spice, and those fine tannins that remind you why Cabernet from these old vineyards is so special.
As with all of Josh’s wines, there isn’t much to go around. This is the pick of his Cabernets – serious quality from a legendary site, made by a Cabernet-obsessed winemaker who’s going from strength to strength.
96+ points
"This is ridiculously good red wine, complex, layered, nuanced, understated and just gorgeous and delicious to drink now; with an immense future. Lay on the superlatives. One of the best young cabernets I’ve seen from Australia."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)
"Occasionally, a winemaker comes along who has the gift of presence and crafts compelling wines. Josh Cooper is one. Astonishing, as he’s only in his mid-30s"
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
| Price Bracket | $51 to $100 |
| Type | Red |
| Body | Medium Bodied |
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Bendigo |
| Australian State | VIC |
| Reviewed By |
The Wine Front |
| Critic Score |
96 |
| Alcohol | 13.5% |
| Size | 750ml |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Closure | DIAM Cork |
Joshua Cooper
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