{"product_id":"joshua-cooper-balgownie-cabernet-sauvignon-2025","title":"2025 Joshua Cooper Balgownie Cabernet Sauvignon – 98 Points","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🏆 98 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING. 95+ POINTS THE WINE FRONT. THE END OF AN ERA. ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S GREAT HISTORIC CABERNET VINEYARDS IS DISAPPEARING FOREVER.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points — JamesSuckling.com | 95+ Points — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2025 JOSHUA COOPER BALGOWNIE VINEYARD 1970 BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON — BENDIGO, VICTORIA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e98 Points — JamesSuckling.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95+ Points — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP $99 | ONLY 375 DOZEN PRODUCED | FINAL VINTAGE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery so often, a wine comes along with a story that makes you stop and think.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd this is one of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE 2025 JOSHUA COOPER BALGOWNIE CABERNET SAUVIGNON IS THE FINAL VINTAGE FROM ONE OF VICTORIA'S MOST HISTORIC CABERNET VINEYARDS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original vines were planted in 1970.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey've produced some of the most celebrated mature Cabernet Sauvignons in Australian wine history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey've survived more than half a century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd now they're being removed to make way for housing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's an absolute tragedy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut fortunately, Joshua Cooper has produced something extraordinary for their final chapter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e98 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95+ POINTS THE WINE FRONT.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJust 375 dozen produced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd once these bottles are gone, there will never be another vintage from these historic vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHIS IS MORE THAN AN EXCEPTIONAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON. IT'S A PIECE OF AUSTRALIAN WINE HISTORY.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalgownie Vineyard — One of Australia's Great Forgotten Cabernet Icons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere's something many wine lovers wouldn't know.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong before the modern explosion of boutique Australian wineries, Balgownie Vineyard was producing some of the country's most extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vineyard was established by Stuart Anderson in 1969 at Maiden Gully, near Bendigo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts earliest Cabernet vines were planted in 1970.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd through the 1970s and 1980s, Balgownie established an extraordinary reputation for wines of structure, perfume, complexity and remarkable longevity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese were serious, age-worthy Australian reds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWines that could develop beautifully over decades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the best bottles became legendary among collectors of mature Australian Cabernet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBALGOWNIE WAS ONE OF THE GREAT NAMES IN VICTORIAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut unlike some of Australia's more commercially prominent wine estates, its extraordinary history remained something of an insider's secret.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA vineyard revered by serious wine collectors and people who understood just how beautifully great Victorian Cabernet could age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere's Something Most People Wouldn't Know — Joshua Cooper Has Been Collecting Balgownie for Years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the part of the story I particularly love.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoshua Cooper didn't simply discover Balgownie because he needed another vineyard for his wine range.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe was already fascinated by it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJOSH HAD SPENT MORE THAN A DECADE COLLECTING OLD BALGOWNIE WINES.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe understood the vineyard's history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe knew how extraordinary the mature wines could become.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd he recognised the importance of those original Cabernet plantings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough Balgownie's winemaker Tony Winspear, Josh eventually secured a small parcel of fruit from the historic 1970 vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a winemaker with a passion for Cabernet Sauvignon, it was an extraordinary opportunity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA chance to work with fruit from a vineyard he'd admired for years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd to create his own interpretation of one of Victoria's most remarkable Cabernet sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoshua Cooper — One of Australia's Most Exciting Young Winemakers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoshua Cooper comes from serious winemaking pedigree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis parents, Alan and Nelly Cooper, established Cobaw Ridge in Victoria's Macedon Ranges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJosh grew up surrounded by vineyards and exceptional cool-climate wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe subsequently gained experience across Australia and overseas before establishing his own label in 2012.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd his reputation has grown enormously.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2020 GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2024 HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION BEST NEW WINERY.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut here's something I find particularly interesting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough Josh produces exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of his great passions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe has become fascinated by the great old Cabernet vineyards scattered throughout Central Victoria.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlaces with extraordinary histories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the ability to produce wines with perfume, finesse and genuine cellaring potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis approach is deliberately restrained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRather than producing enormous, heavily extracted Cabernet, he focuses on balance, elegance and vineyard expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON WITH POWER, BUT WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEIGHT.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Balgownie is perhaps the greatest expression of that philosophy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Vineyard — 1970 Vines, Ordovician Shale, Quartz and Ironstone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Balgownie vineyard is situated near Myers Creek at Maiden Gully, approximately 200 metres above sea level.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the geology is fascinating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eANCIENT ORDOVICIAN SHALE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQUARTZ.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIRONSTONE RUBBLE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese soils are part of the extraordinary geological history of Central Victoria.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey're very different from the gravelly soils of Coonawarra or the maritime vineyards of Margaret River.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd they contribute to a distinctive expression of Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDark berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eViolets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGraphite.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCedar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFine, persistent tannins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd beautiful savoury complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut perhaps the most important factor is the age of the vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePLANTED IN 1970.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat makes them approximately 55 years old at the time of the 2025 harvest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore than five decades of producing Cabernet Sauvignon from one remarkable site.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2025 Vintage — A Fitting Farewell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2025 vintage was warm and dry across much of Central Victoria.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThose conditions helped produce fruit with excellent concentration and definition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Josh believes this is his most age-worthy Balgownie Cabernet yet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere's an additional layer of depth and structure compared with the previous vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut importantly, the wine retains the refinement and elegance that makes great Balgownie Cabernet so compelling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDark cassis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGraphite.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCedar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eViolet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRose petals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd an intriguing savoury, almost marine-like complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePOWERFUL, YET BEAUTIFULLY CONTROLLED.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's exactly the sort of Cabernet that reminds you why the great old Victorian vineyards are so important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Winemaking — Traditional Techniques, Extraordinary Fruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe winemaking is beautifully considered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fruit was hand-harvested and entirely destemmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA portion was then foot-crushed before being transferred to open fermenters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes remained in contact with their skins for approximately three weeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation began naturally, without the need for an inoculated commercial yeast culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtraction involved a combination of pumping over, rack-and-return and plunging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine was then basket pressed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd here's another interesting detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30% NEW STOCKINGER 300-LITRE BARRELS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe remainder was matured in seasoned Bordeaux-style French oak barriques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine spent twelve months in oak, followed by four months in stainless steel after blending.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis approach gives the wine the structure required for long-term cellaring without allowing the oak to overwhelm the fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE VINEYARD REMAINS THE STAR.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e98 Points — James Suckling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e98 POINTS FOR A CABERNET FROM VINES THAT WILL NEVER PRODUCE ANOTHER VINTAGE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat is something very special.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95+ Points — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA SERIOUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON WITH EXTRAORDINARY CELLARING POTENTIAL.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTasting Notes — Cassis, Graphite, Violet and Cedar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Deep, inky garnet with remarkable concentration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAromas:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Blackcurrant, cassis, wild berries, violets, rose petals, graphite, cedar, mint and dark chocolate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Deeply concentrated yet beautifully refined, with layers of dark Cabernet fruit, savoury spice and mineral complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTexture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Silky through the middle palate, with impressive depth and structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTannins:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fine, persistent and beautifully integrated, with a distinctive powdery, graphite-like grip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcidity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fresh and beautifully balanced, providing energy and length.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplexity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cedar, coal, dark chocolate, subtle briny notes and delicate floral perfume.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Exceptionally long, savoury and persistent, with lingering cassis, violets and fine tannins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePOWERFUL. REFINED. COMPLEX. EXTRAORDINARILY AGE-WORTHY.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCellaring Potential — This Is a Wine Worth Putting Away\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMike Bennie recommends drinking from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2027 to 2038 and beyond\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Josh considers this his most age-worthy vintage from Balgownie.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of concentrated fruit, fine tannins and beautifully balanced acidity should reward careful cellaring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor anyone collecting great Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a particularly compelling opportunity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot simply because of the reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut because of the vineyard's history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER VINTAGE FROM THESE ORIGINAL 1970 VINES.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a Cabernet that deserves something substantial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlow-roasted lamb shoulder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrass-fed ribeye.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeef Wellington.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoast duck.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWild mushroom dishes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOr aged hard cheeses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMy choice?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSLOW-ROASTED LAMB SHOULDER WITH ROSEMARY, GARLIC AND RED WINE JUS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine's concentrated dark fruit and beautifully structured tannins would make a magnificent pairing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e98 points — JamesSuckling.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95+ points — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinal vintage from the historic Balgownie 1970 Cabernet vines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnly 375 dozen produced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVineyard established by Stuart Anderson in 1969\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Cabernet plantings from 1970\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 55-year-old vines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of Victoria's most historically important Cabernet vineyards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSituated at Maiden Gully near Bendigo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAncient Ordovician shale, quartz and ironstone soils\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrafted by acclaimed winemaker Joshua Cooper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2020 Gourmet Traveller Wine Young Winemaker of the Year\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2024 Halliday Best New Winery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand-harvested fruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural fermentation in open fermenters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional basket pressing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12 months in French oak\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30% new Stockinger 300-litre barrels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFour additional months in stainless steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCassis, graphite, cedar, violets and dark chocolate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemarkable structure and cellaring potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13.5% alcohol according to retailer technical specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP $99\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Liquid Vibe Verdict\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI find this wine genuinely extraordinary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot just because it has received 98 points from James Suckling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd not simply because Joshua Cooper is one of Australia's most exciting winemakers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut because of what this wine represents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA vineyard established in 1969.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCabernet vines planted in 1970.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore than fifty years of extraordinary Australian wine history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd now the site is being lost to housing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are hundreds of vineyards across Australia that could disappear without anyone noticing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBUT BALGOWNIE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ONE OF THEM.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFortunately, Joshua Cooper has produced an extraordinary final vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wine with remarkable concentration, beautiful perfume, fine tannins and genuine long-term cellaring potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e98 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95+ POINTS THE WINE FRONT.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eONLY 375 DOZEN PRODUCED.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE FINAL VINTAGE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2025 JOSHUA COOPER BALGOWNIE VINEYARD 1970 BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBENDIGO, VICTORIA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP $99.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA PIECE OF AUSTRALIAN WINE HISTORY THAT WILL NEVER BE REPEATED.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joshua Cooper","offers":[{"title":"Default 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