2024 Joshua Cooper 'Redbank' Cabernet Sauvignon, PYRENEES, VIC. 750ml
Another vineyard which needs no introduction to lovers of classic Victorian wines. Still farmed and managed by founder Neill Robb, much like Balgownie it has been a bastion of quality since establishment. The wines also enjoy a similar track record of cellaring.
The vineyard has been dry grown since planting, with vine roots now stretching deep into the hillside soil - largely composed of shale and mudstone, with a iron rich surface layer of ochre red loam, essential for its water holding capacity.
Once hand-harvested, the fruit was entirely de-stemmed, then partially foot crushed before transfer to open fermenters where it remained for three weeks. The must was allowed to soak until natural fermentation commenced and was then extracted with a combination pumping over, delestage and pigage before basket pressing. Elevage took place solely in Spanish stoneware jars for 12 months, before four months in stainless steal after assemblage.
Lurid, impenetrable garnet. Subtle and restrained, though incredibly distinctive. Redbank slowly reveals layer after layer - cassis, boysenberry and blood plum fruits with new leather, warm terracotta and spice casing complexity and intrigue. The most elegant of Black Holes of aroma and flavour.
Fine and layered tannin coats the mouth, carrying inky, ferrous complexity and boysenberry fruit. Redbank eloquently evokes the iron rich red loams, shale and wild scrub of this part of the Pyrenees. Please decant well prior to drinking, or cellar for as long as you like.
