TASTING NOTE
A quintessential expression of Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon, shaped by a dry
growing season and defined by impressive intensity, structure, and site-derived
minerality. This is a wine of brooding power and precision, where depth of fruit is
seamlessly balanced by a fine, ironstone-driven acid line reflected in the freshness of the
wine.
The bouquet is deep and layered, opening with dark plum, brambles, and blackcurrant,
interwoven with savory notes of Italian herbs. Subtle floral lift and restrained, finely
judged oak frame the fruit rather than dominate it, while underlying mineral tones hint
at ironstone and flint.
The palate has power yet composed, delivering concentrated blackcurrant and plum
with an assured sense of drive and tension.
Impressive on release, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon is built for longevity, with
outstanding cellaring potential.
2024 VINTAGE
The 2024 growing season in Frankland River was notably dry, resulting in low yields and
fruit of exceptional intensity and concentration. Careful vineyard management was
essential to preserve balance and freshness, with the dry conditions encouraging small
berries, thick skins, and deep flavour development. The resulting wine reflects both the
power of the season and the precision of site, combining depth of fruit with a striking
mineral backbone.
VINEYARD
This wine was made from Cabernet Sauvignon from our original 1988 plantings in our
family vineyard.
Fruit for this wine was sourced from our 'Winery Block' on the Isolation Ridge vineyard at
Frankland Estate. The vineyard is planted undulating northern and eastern facing slopes
on ancient duplex soils of ironstone gravel and loam over a clay sub-soil. The Isolation
Ridge Vineyard achieved organic certification in 2009.
VINIFICATION
Organically grown and made, this wine was fermented as long and slowly as possible, at
temperatures not exceeding 27°C in small open pot fermentation tanks that allowed the
cap to be worked by hand plunging, and an extended maceration period allowed optimal
colour, flavour and tannin extraction. It was aged in 500 litre French oak puncheons (20%
new) for 12-13 months, this contributing textural complexity without compromising the
opulent natural fruit flavours of the wine.
