2023 Frankland Estate Smith-Cullam Riesling Organic, Frankland River

An off-dry style, and a portion is usually aged on lees in old oak and the rest in stainless-steel tank. This is lovely. Full of mandarin juice and peel, makrut lime and the creamiest nougat lees flavour – divine. It’s delicate, stylish and so appealing. Most importantly, the acidity brings everything in alignment, so the sweetness just fleshes out and rounds out the palate.

96 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

The Frankland Estate Smith-Cullam Riesling is a flagship wine from one of Western Australia's most respected biodynamic producers. Named in honour of founders Barrie Smith and Judi Cullam, this wine is a benchmark for cool-climate Riesling in Australia and a testament to what meticulous organic viticulture and thoughtful winemaking can achieve in the remote Frankland River region.

The Smith-Cullam Riesling is sourced from the family’s Isolation Ridge vineyard, where ironstone gravel soils and a continental climate give the wine its signature structure and longevity. It's fermented in seasoned oak, adding depth and complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. The 2023 vintage is a beautifully layered wine showing crystalline lime and grapefruit, crushed slate, fennel seed, and a touch of lemon curd. It’s racy and taut yet textured and long, with a dry finish that hums with energy.

This is a wine made for the cellar, with the potential to evolve for 15 years or more, developing honeyed notes and deeper mineral character. But it’s also superb now with dishes like grilled marron, oysters with finger lime, or Vietnamese-style poached chicken salad.