Lake Cooper Estate was first planted at the northern end of the Mount Camel Range in 1998 by Geraldine and Gerry McHarg. The first plantings of 30 acres of Shiraz were steadily expanded with further plantings of this variety and the introduction of cabernet sauvignon, merlot plus a range of white varieties including chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. The site benefits greatly from its ancient, rocky, mineral-rich red loam soils.
Purchased in 2015 by Liping Wang, and now under the meticulous wine making techniques of the much famed Paul Boulden, the estate is entering a new and exciting time in its history, which will involve the development of a new and expanded winery and the expansion of the vineyard onto exciting slopes and soils to the east of the current plantings. The intention behind this is to focus the property towards the cultivation of a range of high-end estate-grown wines from classic varieties, and to continue to explore the synergies between the site and the grapes that perform best in the northern and southern Rhône Valley wine regions.
The current plans also include the creation of a cellar door and restaurant, plus some exciting individual accommodation units that capture the charm and immensity of the view from the top of the ridge, over the vineyard and for many miles beyond.
The 2020 Shiraz has dark crimson black, hues of purple and ruby. The bouquet has bright and perfumed aromas of red forest fruits and subtle toasty French oak. The palate is densely layered and effortlessly long, combining texture and richness. Primary fruit flavours of blackberry and cherry give way to the complex secondary characters of bramble and forest floor. The use of 100% new French oak adds freshness and structure, framing the pristine fruit. Best enjoyed with Peking duck.
Best drinking: Now to 2036. 14.5% ABV