Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Vineyard Syrah 2018

A wine of its time, perfect for our long days and nights of “iso.”

So apt in name, yes, but don’t go opening it too soon – this one is a keeper. We see a more subdued, still-waters-run-deep kind of Isolation Ridge in this release. It is asking for more time. If you agree, the rewards will be many. 

A typical cool climate syrah – aka, shiraz – loaded with spice and sweet, enticing pepperiness. The pepper is less immediately obvious compared to its exuberant sibling, the Smith Cullam, but that peppery quality is enticing and brings lift and length to the wine.

All round, it works at binding all of its separate parts together: earth, mushroom, dried herbs and black cherry-berry fruits with oak (vanilla) and all that spice. It’s a big job. Give it time.