Huon Hooke believes ‘Frankland Estate has emerged as one of the great vineyards in Australia’
Imagine leaving Perth and driving south east for 3.5 hours with nothing but scrub through ‘towns’ you cannot pronounce eventually travelling through Kojonup, population 878, about the only major town in outback WA. You think your lost, in the middle of nowhere, when suddenly you come across rows and rows of pristine vines, bright green and you think it is a mirage- welcome to Frankland Estate Vineyards.
The back label will tell you the vineyard, appropriately named Isolation Vineyard, about 140 miles east, southeast of Margaret River and about 35 miles from the coast, as the crows fly. The vineyards are certified organic and are entirely Estate grown fruit and is a family run. Did I mention just how unique the soil is?
For more information and photos go to https://www.franklandestate.com.au/
There is way more to the story, there are the wines …
Riesling 2021
Delightful aromas of lime and tropical fruits confirms its an Australian dry Riesling, with just a twist on the traditional Clare Valley profile.
The palate is a delicate mix of juicy ripe limes, Mayer lemons, with a side serving of tangerine peel, apricot, and white peach, with just a hint of sweetness on a long finish. Impressive depth and complexity frame almost seamless layers of flavors.
Excellent balance that will ensure 8 – 10 years of cellaring will be rewarded. The apricot and juicy lime linger on the palate leaving you with an insatiable desire to take another sip. This really is a delight to drink. Its not surprising James Halliday gave it a 95pt rating.
For those glass ware aficionado’s, you may have noticed I’m tasting from a Riedel Pinot Grigio glass. I have discovered, through experimenting, they work exceptionally well with dry Riesling’s- see the photo.
Ideal pairings should include Lobster, crab, scallops, wild caught Chilian Salmon with teriyaki sauce, and pan-fried chicken with a lemon, lime, honey, and garlic sauce.
This provides an excellent argument for Frankland River being a second, exceptional region for Chardonnay in WA. 2021 saw excellent growing conditions with warm days and cool nights producing elegance and ripe fruits making timing critical for picking to make it just right.
Chardonnay 2021
The nose shows some elegance and restraint with ripe red apples, pineapple and vanilla dominating.
The palate showcases juicy red apples, pineapple, honeydew melon, with secondary notes of white nectarine (somewhat like a peach) and vanilla. Smooth approachable mouthfeel makes this very easy to drink. Great balance and acidity with a clean finish.
This will cellar out to 2028 without a problem.
Pairings should include shellfish, scallops, and smoked salmon. Also consider Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian dishes focusing more on spices, and not chili peppers.
Cabernet 2019.
Swirling aromas of red and black fruits pour for the glass with just a hint pencil shaving. The palate is noticeably bigger than the nose and made in an older leaner style with elegance on display despite its size. Dark cherries, blackberries and tobacco leaf dominate with secondary notes of cranberry, dark chocolate, and earthy savory notes. Great balance, fine grain tannins and nice length on the finish with just a touch of sweetness.
Pairings should include New York strip, ribeye, and sirloin steak, Lamb, and anything with mushrooms. A burger topped with smoked Gouda, aged cheddar, or blue cheese, plus bacon, and of course sauteed mushrooms. Also consider dates wrapped in bacon.
Will cellar out to 2030 with ease.
The 2020 Shiraz is certainly the best Shiraz I have tasted from West Australia in years.
Welcome to the world of Frankland River and Shiraz- delicious, with regional differences that make you want to explore further.
This is an impressive wine from the outset. Enticing nose of ripe lush dark fruits, and like the Cabernet, an earthy savory note, that adds another interesting layer.
Shiraz 2020.
Welcome to the world of Frankland River and Shiraz- delicious, with regional differences that make you want to explore further.
This is an impressive wine from the outset. Enticing nose of ripe lush dark fruits, and like the Cabernet, an earthy savory note, that adds another interesting layer.
The palate displays fine silky tannins and mouthfeel inviting you to enjoy all this wine has to offer.
This had both depth and complexity with enough elegance and restraint to balance the lush rich layers of blackberries, blueberries, and plums, with a sweet savory note and a pinch of cooking spices.
Will cellar out to 2030 and beyond.
Pairings should include New York strip, ribeye, and sirloin steak, burgers from the grill, especially with firmer cheeses and a generous dose of cooking herbs and spices, Peperoni Pizza, and beef Lasagna.
Final thought, these are really enjoyable wines- spend the time to seek them out.
Vine to Table 