2023 Cobaw Ridge Pyrenees Grenache

Silky, sensual luxurious Grenache.

90% destemmed and 10% whole bunch fermented in a small open vat. Gentle pump overs then hand plunged for extraction till then end of fermentation. Pressed via basket press then transfer to one old large barrel for 12 months maturation and full natural malolactic fermentation. Small sulphite addition prior to bottling on site.

From the Landsborough Vineyard which feels somewhat put in lights by Owen Latta of Latta wines but of course there’s others who have been there before and around and done well. Just my compass. Now, Cobaw Ridge has a crack, and it’s exciting to see the family extending their reach and interpreting sites that a reel of others do now, to see their take on things. This has around 15% whole bunches in wild ferment, with the wine pressed off and then chills out in larger format oak after.

It’s a sweeter, riper fruit profile but not rich, indeed, just a few rungs up the ladder from fuller, bold rose wines and frisky as all get out. That being said, lots of flavour, sense of sweet fruit, raspberry, red cherry, sweet cranberry, blood orange and a swirl of sweet spices and minty, herbal elements. A touch of chocolate in there too. It flows well, it feels smooth with just a faint grip. That ripeness perhaps gets away a little in the wine, but charm here for sure. Some malt and gentle grip of tannin comes in late but appreciated. Easy. 92 Points – Wine Front