2021 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Vineyard Riesling
Region: Frankland River, Western Australia, Australia
Grape: Riesling
Culinary Suggestions: Salt and pepper calamari or Vietnamese salad
Vineyard Practice: Organic (Vegan)
About
The wines of Frankland Estate prove Dr Harold Olmo right beyond any shadow of a doubt. The renowned Californian viticulturist identified Frankland River as one of the most promising prospects in Australia back in 1955. Some 23 years later Judi Cullam and Barrie Smith founded this estate, which has become one of the nation's most important and consistent producers, constantly achieving finesse, balance and an incisive expression of cool climate vine-growing.
For many years now the release of the single-vineyard Rieslings from this domain in far-flung Great Southern has commanded awe and respect, as attested to by Nick Stock’s observation that Isolation Ridge Riesling "has now become so consistently great, it is a liquid tribute to the dedication of the Cullam family, to their vineyard and winemaking". The reds have likewise long been recognised as wines of pedigree with a strong sense of place. A Trevor Mast Trophy win for the 2017 Isolation Ridge Syrah and a string of glowing reviews for the Cabernet Franc -dominant Olmo’s Reward let you know that things have gone up several notches. They continue to scale new heights. - Distributor Note
Tasting Notes
Stand back as a Western Australian dry riesling masterpiece arrives. Vibrant, ripe and extremely expressive nose of fresh mangoes, hibiscus, and ripe pink grapefruit. Very concentrated and super-energetic, this also has a purity that makes your heart skip a beat. Extremely focused, long finish that's very stony, but not austere. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
97 points - jamessuckling.com November 2022
Flavour in the acidity. That’s what it’s all about here. The lines are very straight and ultra direct but they are more than that; they are conduits. Lime, talc, mandarin and florals with something almost jibe in the centre of the palate there. A trail of gun smoke enters the aftertaste. This is excellent.
94 points – Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front April 2022
Drink: 2022 - 2032+
This is one of two dry single-vineyard Rieslings that Frankland Estate makes, along with the Poison Hill. The 2021 Riesling Isolation Ridge is powerful, textural and rich, with layers of preserved lemon, salted pink grapefruit, Granny Smith apples, crushed gravel, black tea, eucalyptus leaf and white pepper. It is structured and austere and shows the line and poise that Rieslings from this area so often achieve. The phenolics through the finish leave a real desire to chew and move after it's gone…
94 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate July 2022