Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Syrah 2023

There’s a lot of detail and delight with this savoury syrah, a 1.5% splash of viognier and 3.5% glug of mourvèdre also in the mix, with 5% whole bunches, then aged 14 months in French oak foudres plus puncheons. The tannins are key – they are shapely, plush, almost velvety, and augmented by aromas/flavours of dark fruit, warm spice, ferrous notes and gun smoke. Fuller bodied without feeling weighty, and the finish is long. (96) STUART PIGOTT, JamesSuckling.com

Between the 15% whole bunch and the garnish of 2% Viognier, the aromatics are stoooooon’n! This wine is confident in her own skin and commands respect wherever she goes. Plum juice, red liquorice and vanilla. I want to protect this wine. Nurture it. Love it. The intense sweetness of fruit, is complimented by small framed, Velcro-like-tannins and encouraged by the 13 months spent in 3500-litre French oak foudre. Medium bodied. Doesn’t need food. Drinking beautifully in its current window of youth. The finish is clean, fresh and sharp—yet the fruit carries effortlessly through the length, with blood orange, Canadian mountains and rose petals. Chic and stylish—this wine drives a 1959 Cadillac. (95) CYNDAL PETTY, Winepilot.com