2019 Frankland Estate Poison Hill Riesling Organic, Frankland River

Poison Hill Vineyard lies on the northern edge of the Frankland River township. Its distinctive name comes from its location on a hill where the Heart-leaf poison bush is found, which is poisonous to all but indigenous animals. This tiny 3ha Riesling vineyard is planted on a unique white clay and weathered quartz soil, which is reflected in a complex, alluringly perfumed and silk-textured wine. Like all vineyards in the Frankland river region it benefits from the cool nights and long, slow ripening period that promote maximum flavour development while maintaining the distinctive vibrant acidity. The fruit was lightly pressed and allowed to settle overnight before being racked to fermentation vessel. The wine was then fermented at low temperatures (less than 15°C) over 8 weeks with minimal intervention in order to obtain the purest expression of the pristine, organically grown fruit from the Poison Hill vineyard.

Hunter Smith, Frankland Estate

A very pristine nose with aromas of crushed stones, white pepper, lemons, yellow grapefruit and lightly spiced pastry. The palate has striking acidity that floods in early with plenty of citrus-dominant flavours and then chisels in tight, before launching long into the finish. Like a baseball pitcher’s wind up, it lands right in the strike zone! From organically grown grapes. Drink over the next decade. Screw cap.

96 points Nick Stock JamesSuckling.com April 2020