Frankland Estate Olmo’s Reward 2020

The Smith family has a high emotional and practical investment in Cabernet Franc. The French grape variety grows super well on the Isolation Ridge vineyard, and it’s the undoubted star of Olmo’s Reward. In the 2020 vintage it represents a considerable 78.4% of the blend together with a splash of Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Its contribution is significant, with marked acidity and grippy tannins calling the tune in both structure and a lingering finish, while black fruits, pepper and crushed gravel roam the palate. Together with its blending buddies the effect is quite marked. Its intention is clear, it demands more time in bottle. Dusty, earthy, leather and cedar notes join with blackberry intensity, anise and eucalypt. It softens as it opens up with air but, the right thing to do here, is to wait.