96+ Points - Mike Bennie
Joshua Cooper gets a parcel of the old vines of Balgownie through family friendship and his interest in cabernet. It’s a real coup. A younger gen winemaker playing with some of the most significant, older vine cabernet going around is pretty exciting.
Wow. Succulent and fine, so very fresh and mouth-watering. Dark cherry and brambly blackberries, white pepper, clove spice, mushroom and briny minerality all at play here. It sits in the palate low, tense and refreshes with each sip. Grip builds gradually from the lacy yet undeniably quality feel of crushed granite tannins and the wine moves slowly but with undeniable energy and lift. Stains the palate gently, each mouthful a full reset and return to the next. Incredibly complex, intense, yet lively. Memorable wine. Drink 2022-2040.
95+ Points - Erin Larkin Wine Advocate
Having never met Joshua Cooper in person but having had many dalliances with his wines, I get the feeling that he's a purist. Each of the wines have a distinct personality and identity. The Shay's Flat is mineral, lean and streamlined, the Dash Farms is brambly, black and flowing, while this 2021 Balgownie Vineyard 1970 Block Cabernet Sauvignon is peaty, shale and layered with graphite. There's a very clear aroma and flavor of undergrowth and autumn leaves in this wine. There's dirt here. It's excellent. As with all of the wines in this release, this is long and undulating and very good. It's impressive and exciting and comes highly recommended.
