“Frankland Estate is one of Australia’s greatest wine producers with a thirst for excellence.”
Mike Bennie, Gourmet Traveller WINE
“Often my gaze is drawn to the new and shiny when researching Wines To Watch,” writes Mike Bennie in the December/January 2018 edition of Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine. “That being said,” continues Bennie – who kindly gave us permission to reproduce his praise – “it’s also great to look at those producers who seem to tirelessly fine-tune, evolve and improve their established wine styles, elevating an existing offering. “
“Frankland Estate has been front of mind for their continuing quest to raise their already high bar. Visits to Great Southern and time spent with winemakers Hunter Smith and Brian Kent and viticulturist Elizabeth Smith have cemented my opinion Frankland Estate is one of Australia’s greatest wine producers with a thirst for excellence. That the wine offering is underpinned by the pioneering work and vision of founders Judi Cullam and Barrie Smith only enhances the potency of Frankland Estate’s wines. The focus on Riesling is, of course, at the forefront of any conversation about Frankland Estate.
“Established vineyards and considered single-site offerings have contributed to Frankland Estate’s fame. They continue to craft wines that not only reflect their unique patches of Great Southern, but show that Australia produces wines to match the best of any Riesling-producing nation.
“Not often talked about is the shift to organic farming that started in 2005, leading to certification in 2010. The vineyards have never been healthier or producing higher quality fruit.
“Frankland Estate is to be revered and celebrated in equal measure. Quietly going about its work, it continues to delight and surprise with these latest releases.”
SINGLE VINEYARD
2016 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling RRP $43
The 2016 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling is at its scintillating, tense best. The single-vineyard offering from 2016 is a pure, driven white of citrus and green apple perfume and flavours. It’s a long, fine and energetic Riesling. Mike Bennie, Gourmet Traveller WINE November 2017
All the hallmarks of this site are at play with camomile and blossom, the lightness of touch on the palate with its citrus notes, some concentration and texture yet the steely freshness and acidity so pure it creates an ultra-fine and long finish. 96 points. Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2016 Frankland Estate Poison Hill Riesling RRP $43
An outstanding single-vineyard wine from Frankland River. Aromatically engaging with gentle lime juice and blossom aromas. The palate has a core of sweet lemon creating a mouth-watering sensation, and there is a minerally undercurrent that adds depth and class. The wine is incredibly focused and intense. Limited quantities made. Excellent cellaring potential. Highly recommended. 96 points. Toni Paterson, MW The Real Review
2014 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Shiraz RRP $43
The sheer power of red and black cherry fruit, spice, bramble, earth, tannins, oak and a twinkle of acidity all demand your attention. Paradoxically, no one player captures the loud applause the wine generates. 95 points. James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2017
Deep crimson. Highly perfumed – with rich fruit and a light floral quality. Very intense and deeply fruited on the palate but the fruit is not overly sweet (that’s good). Darker and more savoury on the palate, with a touch of black olive already. Spice and pepper from oak and fruit. Chewy and fresh on the long, tangy finish. 17/20. Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com December 2016
2014 Frankland Estate Olmo’s Reward RRP $88
The finest, most complete Olmo’s Reward to date comprising cabernet franc 58% /cabernet sauvignon 26%/malbec 11%/petit verdot 5%. Red fruits, earth and spice sashay across the medium-bodied frame meeting finely crafted tannins. Pure and long on the finish and seems effortless. Certainly effortless to drink. 96 points. Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
ESTATE WINES
2017 Frankland Estate Riesling RRP $29
For an estate-wide expression, 2017 Frankland Estate Riesling offers quality and value hand-in-hand. It’s a limey, bright Riesling of zingy acidity and crunchy texture. The perfume is voluminous in Thai spice, mixed citrus character and dried apple scents. The palate is bracing with its citrus tang, but finishes with a pool of gently sweet, mouth-filling fruitiness. It’s one of those summery whites that is best suited to a deep chill and consumed while your legs are dangling in a swimming pool. Mike Bennie, Gourmet Traveller WINE November 2017
2015 Frankland Estate Chardonnay RRP $29
Lightly-toasted cashew and grapefruit aromas are apparent in this youthful Chardonnay. The palate is briskly tangy and tense with salty mineral notes and a lip-smacking refreshing aftertaste. Another year will see it in top form. Excellent value for money. 93 points. Huon Hooke, Gourmet Traveller WINE November 2017
Frankland Estate has been working diligently on its chardonnay particularly in the vineyard and it’s starting to show. Lemon-barley water, citrus zest with some ginger spice and daikon radish crunch to the mouthwatering acidity, linear and very refined. 94 points. Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2015 Frankland Estate Shiraz RRP $29
Bright, full crimson-purple; the variety and the terroir seek to impose each one’s stamp over the other, both failing in their attempt, the perfect win-win outcome. Blackberry fruit, spice and black pepper lead the way on the bouquet and medium-bodied palate alike, French oak (subtle) and tannins (ripe, but fine) completing a great portrait of cool-grown shiraz. 95 points. Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2015 Frankland Estate Cabernet Sauvignon RRP $29
Rich mixed berries and hints of cedar and herbs leap out of the glass. The palate is complex and focused balanced with fresh sweet mulberries and grainy mouth coating tannins that glide across the mouth. A classic cool climate Cabernet. – Hunter Smith, Frankland Estate
