2020 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

The wine is a glittering pale-yellow colour, and the nose is pungently varietal with scents of lemon sherbet, lime zest, white flowers and a light yeasty overtone. It’s appetising in the mouth, but at the same time very concentrated. Juicy, intense citrus flavours flow zesty through a long, tingling, steely finish. 24 APR 2021 Drink 2021–2031

95 points Ralph Kyte-Powell therealreview.com