Buried deep in the heart of Western Australia’s most isolated wine region, Frankland Estate is as much apart of its natural landscape as it is a winery.
For many years now the release of the single-vineyard Rieslings from this domain in far-flung Great Southern has commanded attention and respect, with Isolation Ridge and Poison Hill considered among the finest examples of Riesling made in Australia.
The reds have likewise long been recognised as wines of pedigree with a strong sense of place. But things have gone up a level. Since 2010, second-generation winemaker Hunter Smith has been joined in the winery by brother-in-law Brian Kent. They’ve determinedly set about building on the tremendous progress made since Judi Cullam and Barrie Smith planted the first vines on Isolation Ridge 30-odd years ago.
Hunter and Brian have focused on every detail of their technique, produce and – most important - organically farmed vineyard, with the ultimate aim of realising Frankland Estate’s immense potential. Now we see how that hard work has eased into being a suite of brilliant wines, divided between the Estate range, the single vineyards and the flagships. All confirm Frankland Estate as a leading light among Australia’s terroir-driven winegrowers.
