2020 Frankland Smith Cullam Syrah Organic, Frankland River

Certified organic. Fruit from the Isolation Ridge vineyard on the estate property. The nose is so fragrant that it takes some time to unpick it all. Winter mandarin, pink peppercorn, citrus blossom, blackberry, plum, licorice, clove, star anise, lavender and fennel flower. In the mouth, the graphite and black-tea tannins are a masterclass in svelte. They weave and thread through all aspects of the experience, becoming briefly savoury, before trailing out over a long finish. It is the tannins that reveal to us how inchoate this wine truly is. It needs time. It will be superlative. For now, it is tightly wound, coiled even and needs time to unfurl and show its potential. What a profound wine. Wow. Owns the Syrah moniker.

97 points Special Value Erin Larkin winecompanion.com.au

Frankland Estate Smith Cullam Syrah from Frankland River is a beautifully structured, cool-climate Syrah that blends elegance with intensity. Crafted by winemakers Hunter Smith and Brian Kent, this limited-release wine represents the pinnacle of Frankland Estate’s organic, site-driven approach. Named in honor of founders Barrie Smith and Judi Cullam, this Syrah is sourced from the best parcels of the estate’s vineyards, where the ironstone-rich soils and cool growing conditions create wines of remarkable depth, complexity, and aging potential.

Deep ruby with a vibrant purple hue, this Syrah is all about finesse and precision. The nose opens with perfumed aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, interwoven with exotic spice, black pepper, and hints of smoked meat. Layers of violets, graphite, and crushed rock add further complexity, reflecting the vineyard’s mineral-rich terroir. The palate is medium-bodied yet powerful, offering a core of dark fruit framed by fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity, and a savoury, earthy depth. Subtle oak integration brings hints of cedar and cocoa, leading to a long, seamless finish with lingering spice and a touch of ironstone minerality.

This Syrah pairs beautifully with herb-crusted lamb, venison, or slow-cooked beef short ribs. It also complements mushroom risotto, charcuterie, and aged cheeses like Manchego or Comté. While drinking beautifully now with a good decant, SmithCullam Syrah is built for the long haul, with the potential to evolve over 15–20 years, developing further layers of complexity and savoury richness.

Frankland Estate’s SmithCullam Syrah is a true benchmark for cool-climate Australian Syrah—elegant, refined, and deeply expressive of its unique Frankland River terroir.