Region: Frankland River, Western Australia
Variety: Grenache
Vintage: 2024
Country: Australia
The Wine
Drawn from Swinney’s mature bush vines in Frankland River, this Grenache showcases the estate’s gravel-rich soils and restrained winemaking philosophy. Whole-bunch fermentation and careful élevage in seasoned French oak allow fruit purity and texture to define the wine. It is a Rhône-inspired blend interpreted through a distinctly Western Australian lens.
Cellared Says
Bright red cherry and raspberry lead, hints of dried herbs, spice and crushed stone add complexity without heaviness. The palate is supple yet finely framed, with a gentle, chalky tannin line and impressive freshness. More about finesse than power, this is beautifully composed and highly drinkable. That whole bunch winemaking really lifts this in both aromatic impact and structurally on the palate. Impressive stuff, highly recommended.
Wine Reviews
Wine critics are completely unbiased and have absolutely no favourites at all. First line of the wine writers’ creed. Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, it really isn’t true. There are always some samples which, when they arrive for tasting, bring a smile of anticipated pleasure. Even though Swinney have only been on the scene for the equivalent of a drop in the vinous ocean, they have established a reputation as one of the most exciting producers in the country. The latest releases will simply entrench this even further. With all the attention focused on Grenache from the warmer South Australian regions, it may seem odd that one of our very best hails from the far distant Frankland River. This is a single vineyard wine from the Wilson’s Pool Vineyard, picked from dry grown, bush vines. Winemaker, Robert Mann, includes 60% whole bunches in the ferment. The wine spent ten days on skins before pressing to large format, older French oak, where it spent eleven months maturing. A gleaming crimson/ruby hue, the complexity in this wine is immediately evident. The aromas weave through notes of cherries, warm earth, mulberries, fresh beetroot, kirsch, truffles, plums and a touch of florals and orange rind. There is an appealing savouriness here, but giving the wine time in the glass will be to its advantage. Supple and seamless, there is a fine line of acidity maintained throughout and great length here. This will provide pleasure for the next ten to fifteen years at least. One of our great Grenaches.
98 Points - Ken Gargett Winepilot
Region: Frankland River, Western Australia
Variety: Grenache
Vintage: 2024
Country: Australia
The Wine
Drawn from Swinney’s mature bush vines in Frankland River, this Grenache showcases the estate’s gravel-rich soils and restrained winemaking philosophy. Whole-bunch fermentation and careful élevage in seasoned French oak allow fruit purity and texture to define the wine. It is a Rhône-inspired blend interpreted through a distinctly Western Australian lens.
Cellared Says
Bright red cherry and raspberry lead, hints of dried herbs, spice and crushed stone add complexity without heaviness. The palate is supple yet finely framed, with a gentle, chalky tannin line and impressive freshness. More about finesse than power, this is beautifully composed and highly drinkable. That whole bunch winemaking really lifts this in both aromatic impact and structurally on the palate. Impressive stuff, highly recommended.
Wine Reviews
Wine critics are completely unbiased and have absolutely no favourites at all. First line of the wine writers’ creed. Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, it really isn’t true. There are always some samples which, when they arrive for tasting, bring a smile of anticipated pleasure. Even though Swinney have only been on the scene for the equivalent of a drop in the vinous ocean, they have established a reputation as one of the most exciting producers in the country. The latest releases will simply entrench this even further. With all the attention focused on Grenache from the warmer South Australian regions, it may seem odd that one of our very best hails from the far distant Frankland River. This is a single vineyard wine from the Wilson’s Pool Vineyard, picked from dry grown, bush vines. Winemaker, Robert Mann, includes 60% whole bunches in the ferment. The wine spent ten days on skins before pressing to large format, older French oak, where it spent eleven months maturing. A gleaming crimson/ruby hue, the complexity in this wine is immediately evident. The aromas weave through notes of cherries, warm earth, mulberries, fresh beetroot, kirsch, truffles, plums and a touch of florals and orange rind. There is an appealing savouriness here, but giving the wine time in the glass will be to its advantage. Supple and seamless, there is a fine line of acidity maintained throughout and great length here. This will provide pleasure for the next ten to fifteen years at least. One of our great Grenaches.
98 Points - Ken Gargett Winepilot
Image 1 of 1
