Description
“We are a husband and wife winemaking and grape growing team. Both second generation winemakers, with over 35 vintages of experience between us – both in McLaren Vale and abroad.
Our philosophy is simple – to make wine we love from the regions we love. Clare Valley Riesling, Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir, and of course, from our home in McLaren Vale – Shiraz and Grenache.
Our logo reflects the connection between the generations of winemakers within our families. The cursive script pays homage to various Cooter family businesses dating back to 1847.
“In 2012, we found our dream vineyard and Cooter & Cooter was born. It’s situated on the southern slopes of Whites Valley, McLaren Vale. It’s 70 acres consists mostly of Shiraz, planted in the mid-nineties, some beautiful, gnarly old vine Grenache planted in 1960, as well as some younger Grenache, Cabernet and more recent plantings of Mataro and Fiano.
“Our vineyard is on a sustainable agriculture journey to minimise environmental impacts and inputs. This includes being certified members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA), as well as converting to organic and biodynamic practices and preparations, although not yet certified.
“Whites Valley is located on the boundary of the Willunga and Sellicks Foothills in the McLaren Vale wine region. The soil geology is known as the Christies Beach Formation, which consists of a sequence of red brown alluvial fan clays, sands and gravels, deposited about 125,000 years ago by watercourses flowing across the Willunga Fault from the Sellicks Hill Range.
We love, live and raise our little family on the vineyard.” Kimberly & James Cooter
Winemaking is in the veins of both families: in 1992 Colin Cooter created Lengs & Cooter with Karel Lengs and in 2012 Colin’s son James established Cooter & Cooter with his wife Kimberly. A winemaker herself, Kimberly began learning her craft under the tutelage of her father, veteran McLaren Vale winemaker Walter Clappis. Walter is best known for his much celebrated time running Ingoldby Wines and more recently, The Hedonist Wines.
About this wine: 97% Shiraz (planted 1996) and 3% Mataro. The lead up to the 2024 vintage progressed with distinct weather changes and challenges. The growing season opened with dry periods and cool nights set against warm daytime temperatures. Spring delivered strong winds during flowering, reducing crop levels. December and January brought significant rainfall before conditions turned notably dry for the remainder of the season. A heatwave in March, with four consecutive days above 37 degrees Celsius, added further intensity to the season. Despite these trials, the lighter crop allowed for meticulous fruit selection.
Picked on 7 March from a single block of our estate grown, the fruit was fermented with indigenous yeast in an open fermenter. A combination of whole bunches, whole berries, and extended skin contact, building dimension and aromatic lift. It was then gently basket pressed into seasoned French oak puncheons and matured for 12 months. A small addition of approximately 3% estate grown, handpicked Mataro was blended just before bottling. No fining. 14 % Alc
A bright and refreshing expression McLaren Vale Shiraz. Aromas of fresh blackberry and dark cherry are lifted by subtle floral notes and gentle spice, adding aromatic complexity. The palate is buoyant and juicy, with vibrant acidity and fine detail throughout. Soft, supple tannins provide structure, contributing to a long, polished, and distinctly moreish finish.
Newly released this has the goods! Review for 2023: 93 points, Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion. ‘As usual, from two small parcels on classic red clay over limestone, fermented separately and coolly, with some pressings blended back when assembled. This is all about purity of expression, refined and racy, but without austerity. Lemon leaves, green apple, lime pith and a stony minerality. It’s pretty classic stuff, but there’s typically much thought given to texture and acid harmony in this wine, and so too here.’
This is a bright and refreshing expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Fruit forward, round and fleshy. Smooth tannins give rise to a long, moreish finish.
RRP $27 Our Special Price $21.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
