Swinney Grenache Frankland River 2025
- 95
- $46
- Drink by: 2026-2036
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The team’s Grenache has certainly proven to be the surprise card in their pack. In the early days, one doubts that anyone was really convinced that they would reach the heights they have managed. Whilst the famous examples of this variety from traditional regions are certainly not to be discounted, don’t miss trying what they have achieved here. It is also excellent value. From Frankland River fruit. A gleaming crimson with a ruby rim, there is a beautifully fragrant nose. There are notes of raspberries, cherries and cream, a touch of blueberries, florals, notably rose petals, and bay leaves. This is a surprising and alternative perspective on Grenache and not to be missed. The wine is finely balanced with great focus and a lingering finish, with a seductive and sleek texture and very good length. Seamless in style with juicy acidity, this will drink beautifully for the next decade.
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.
