Swinney Syrah Frankland River 2025
- 96
- $46
- Drink by: 2026-2041
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Stunning stuff, especially when you remember that this is not even their flagship Shiraz (or Syrah, if they must). From their Wilson’s Pool and Powderbark Vineyards, the team employ the use of whole bunches as well as native yeasts for fermentation and maturation is in large format French oak with just a touch new. Frankland River shows just how well suited to Shiraz it is, yet again. Opaque maroon with a vibrant crimson/purple rim, this is youthful but intense. We have aromas of plums, blackberries, coffee grinds, blueberries, dried herbs, cassis, licorice and chocolate. Bold and expressive, the texture is supple and seductive, the structure seamless and the wine alluring. There is great length here, with a juicy energetic finish and silky tannins. Wonderful stuff and will remain so for at least the next ten to fifteen years. Amazing value.
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.
