2024 Rocky Gully Riesling, Frankland River

Riesling with both body and bones. This is such a good option for drinking. It tastes of lime, slate, melon and apple, with a run of chalk detectable through the finish. It works a treat. The value is high. 

92 points Campbell Mattinson winefront.com.au

Rocky Gully Riesling from Frankland River is a wine that captures the essence of one of Western Australia's most exciting cool-climate regions. Frankland River, known for its pristine environment and minimal intervention winemaking, has become renowned for producing Rieslings with an intensity of flavor, natural acidity, and a distinct minerality. This Riesling, crafted by the team at Frankland Estate, delivers all of that in a wine that balances freshness, complexity, and depth.

The vineyards in Frankland River benefit from cool nights and warm days, giving the Riesling grapes a long, slow ripening period. This allows the fruit to develop concentrated flavors while maintaining its trademark crispness. The winemaking process at Frankland Estate focuses on minimal intervention to preserve the purity of the fruit, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and natural acidity. The result is a wine that expresses the terroir of Frankland River with precision and elegance.

On the nose, Rocky Gully Riesling is bursting with aromas of citrus fruits—lemon, lime, and a touch of grapefruit—along with hints of green apple, white flowers, and a light, mineral edge that gives it a fresh, invigorating character. There’s also a subtle note of honey, adding complexity and a hint of sweetness to the bouquet.

The palate is bright and fresh, with crisp acidity that lifts the citrus and green apple flavors, keeping it light and refreshing. The wine’s minerality is evident, giving it a clean, dry finish that lingers with a touch of citrus zest. While the fruit is front and center, the wine’s structure and acidity give it excellent aging potential, allowing it to develop even more depth with time.

Rocky Gully Riesling is incredibly food-friendly, making it perfect for a wide variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with seafood, such as oysters, prawns, or grilled fish, as well as lighter dishes like goat cheese salads, Thai cuisine, or fresh summer rolls. Its natural acidity also makes it a great match for spicy food, such as Indian or Sichuan dishes, where it can balance the heat and enhance the flavors.