2020 Joshua Cooper Shay's Flat Cabernet Sauvignon
WINEMAKER: Joshua Cooper
VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon
REGION: Pyrenees, VIC
VITICULTURE: Certified Biodynamic
"The Shay’s Flat Vineyard is situated on an elevated picturesque ridge in the heart of the Pyrenees. A distinctly Australian setting with the vineyard surrounded by wheat paddocks, bushland and scrub. The 20+ year old vines are rooted deep into mineral rich shale, quartz and mudstone soils, growing powerful, yet detailed fruit. I have a distinct soft spot for the Cabernet wines produced in the 70’s and 80’s by the pioneering wineries of Central and Western Victoria, many of which seem ageless even now.
Once hand harvested the fruit was entirely destemmed, then partially crushed by foot before transfer to open fermenters. The must was allowed to soak until natural fermentation commenced and then was macerated with a combination of pumping over and pigage. An extended post fermentation maceration saw the wine remain on skins for a full six weeks. Elevage took place in a combination of 300l and 228l barrels, of which 25% were new Stockinger hogs heads for 12 months before four months in stainless steal after assemblage. The only addition to the wine is a small dose of sulphur.
The first vintage of this wine. Intense dark cherry and cassis, mulberry, lavender and black olive, flecked with wild herbs and a alluring graphite and cedar complexity. A refined palate leads with plush fruit, before a rumble of fine, layers tannin and cleansing acidity with a persistent trail of graphite, dark cocoa and Dutch liquorice. This bottling opens wonderfully in the glass and decanter and I am incredibly excited to see its development in bottle."
The son of biodynamic power couple Alan & Nelly Cooper of Cobaw Ridge, Joshua Cooper is one of the most exciting young winemakers in Australia. Unbelievable precision and focus. Tiny quantities, high demand, a producer to watch.