Alan and Nelly Cooper founded Cobaw Ridge in the Macedon Ranges in 1985, and in the early 1990s they became the first in Australia to trial Lagrein, the dark-skinned grape of Alto Adige in northern Italy. Their small, high-altitude vineyard near Kyneton is certified organic and biodynamic, and every wine is estate grown, made and bottled.
Lagrein remains a rarity in Australia, and Cobaw Ridge's version has become a reference point for the variety here. Expect deep colour with cassis, dark cherry and black liquorice, lifted by violets, alpine herbs and dried spice. The tannins are fine-boned and distinctly Italianate, and the wine gains in perfume and depth with air.
Pour it with braised beef, game sausages, speck or a rich mushroom ragu, and give it some time in a decanter.
Vintages may vary. Email us at hello@barrelandbatch.com.au if you would like confirmation.