Frankland Estate Shiraz 2017

"Our appreciation for the environment in which we work ensures our wines and our vineyards continue to grow with our land in accordance to the cycles of nature" Frankland Estate

The Great Southern is an aptly named wine region… located in the south west corner of Western Australia, it is far from anywhere, situated between vast ocean and desert. Its isolation is a secret to its success, and a reason that its unexplored wines remain incredible value. Here you will find Frankland Estate, a leader and pioneer of the region. They are also a leader of Riesling and Shiraz wines in Australia, with some arguing their Riesling vineyard rivals the countries best, and their top Shiraz recently took out best Shiraz at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. 

It was planted and founded in 1988 by Judi Cullam and Barrie Smith, and is currently run by their children, siblings Hunter and Elizabeth. Hunter and Elizabeth, who both live on the vineyard with their families, are staunch believers in organic farming and a minimal intervention approach in the cellar to gently craft their wine.

This Shiraz from the coolish but awesome 2017 vintage and delivers flavour, balance and length far beyond its modest $26 price tag. It is sourced from organically farmed grapes, some from the Isolation Ridge vineyard planted in 1988, and others from a younger block planted in 2006, that is starting to reach its prime.

2017 was cool and late, and the Great Southern is already a generally cool to moderate region, and Frankland Estate express this with a Shiraz in the medium bodied spectrum with loads of pepper, spice and olive tapenade aromatics. Complexities that overdeliver on its price. Blueberry and smoked meat flavours drive the palate which makes us think more of quality French Syrah than Aussie Shiraz. It is juicy, supple and silky, and has an earthy character that keeps it savoury and low toned. If you want to learn more about Frankland Estate's committed approach to Shiraz, read here...

Reviews have also been kind, with 95 points from Halliday Wine Companion and 93 from Suckling, both with some impressive tasting notes. It’s approach-ability makes it versatile for food, and it could lay down for up to four more years. Simply, a very satisfying mid-week red and a gateway drug in to the great wines of Frankland Estate.

If you’re interested in their dry Riesling’s, please let us know, and we can run you through their range. We hope you enjoy.