2022 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Vineyard Riesling

Region: Great Southern, Western Australia, Australia

Grape: Riesling

Pairing: Salt & Pepper Calamari, Vietnamese Salad, Singapore Noodles, XO Pippies

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

Riesling is the Frankland Estate signature grape, and gee they do a good job of it. Very different to most Australian Riesling too.

Pie apple, lime, plenty of spice, mint and aniseed. It’s chalky, rich in flavour, all lime and apple, with a nutty and chalk dust texture, lots of oomph, almost into Chardonnay weight, with a slight petrol perfume, and excellent length. Crushed fennel seed, guava and apple on the finish. Powerful and very ‘mineral’. Lime zest and Parmesen rind too. Lots of grip. Loads of personality. Terrific.

95 points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front April 2023

Drink: 2024 - 2034