Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Syrah 2021
- 94
- $55
- Drink by: 2023-2033
Share
For me, this is one of the very best releases from this fine line of West Aussie Syrah. Matured for 14 months in 3,500-litre foudre, with a few additional 500-litre puncheons thrown in and 20% whole bunches. The wine is 94% Syrah with 4% Viognier, the rest a dollop of Mourvèdre. The Viognier component is not immediately obvious, but the wine is certainly gloriously lifted and aromatic. The Syrah comes from two blocks, the 1988-planted winery block being key. Deep maroon hue. The aromas here are a highlight – plums, cassis, chocolate and dry herbs with a hint of bergamot. Soft and supple in texture, it shows very good length and with really good persistence. It has a good decade of giving pleasure ahead of it – a really lovely wine.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
