Buried deep in the heart of Western Australia’s most isolated wine region (250km east of Margaret River and inland from the wild and picturesque Great Southern coastline), Frankland Estate is as much a part of its natural landscape as it is a winery.
Barrie Smith and Judi Cullam co-founded Frankland Estate in 1988, after deciding to diversify their long-established wool-growing interests in the Frankland River region. Barrie’s unparalleled experience in production is owed to having been raised among vineyards, as well as to over 30 years of farming. He is renowned for his intimate knowledge and deep respect for the land, and for his firm belief in the winemaking potential of the Isolation Ridge vineyard.
Very much a tight-knit family affair, their children, Hunter and Elizabeth Smith, and their families live on the estate, too. The family have invested a lot of time and energy into minimising their impact on the ecological balance of the region, nurturing the micro-biology of the soils and supporting causes to improve the health and future prosperity of the local fauna and flora. It is their commitment to sustainable farming that informs their winemaking practices.
This is one of my favourite Aussie Rieslings, in fact, one of my favourite wines full-stop!
Everything here is perfectly poised and balanced. The nose is floral and beguiling and the palate fresh, juicy yet rich and delicious. It’s got everything a good Riesling needs.
Perfect with spicy seafood dishes as well as pretty much all salads. Very versatile and very delicious.
Highly recommended
