Frankland Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Frankland Estate Cabernet Sauvignon brings cool-climate polish to Western Australian Cabernet, combining blackcurrant, blood plum and bramble with redcurrant brightness, rose-like florals and a savoury herbal lift. Fine-grained tannins give it shape without overwhelming the generous fruit, while the estate's ironstone-influenced character adds a quietly mineral edge. Grown on Frankland Estate's organically certified Isolation Ridge vineyard, including Cabernet vines planted in 1988, this is a fresh, composed red with plenty of cellaring potential. Pour it alongside roast lamb, grilled beef or a hearty mushroom dish.

What the winery says:

The 2022 is a blend of 93.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.25% Malbec and 3.25% Mourvedre, sourced from mature blocks on northern and eastern-facing slopes in the Isolation Ridge vineyard. The site has gravel and loam over clay and has been managed under organic certification since 2009. After a long, slow fermentation below 27°C in small open-pot tanks, the cap was hand-plunged and the wine received extended maceration. Maturation in 500-litre French oak puncheons added texture while retaining the wine's natural fruit character. The winery suggests it will gain complexity for 15 years or more.

What the experts say:

Angus Hughson, Winepilot, 93 points (2022 Vintage)
“A sleeper with plenty to offer over the next decade and beyond.”

Ken Gargett, WinePilot, 93/100 (2023 Vintage)
"Dark maroon in colour, this is a slightly austere style with notes of tobacco leaves, warm earth, blackberries, dusty cocoa powder, plums, graphite and herbs."

Jeni Port, WinePilot, 92/100 (2023 Vintage)
"Sweet aromas of dark berries, plums, dark spices with gently leafy autumnal notes."