2020 Swinney 'Franklands' Cabernet Syrah
Ray Jordan, WA Wine Review 2023, November 22
"Beautiful aromas of ferrous blackcurrant with a touch of oyster shell ironstone character. Comes from four rows of cabernet at the top of the gravel hill using shade cloth, vertical shoot positioning and one bunch per shoot. Then did the same with syrah. This is the only wine that Swinney do that is blended in the winery. Whole berry fermentation in 600-litre oak fermenters and then combined once all has been pressed and aged for 14 months. No new oak has been used. The tannin kicks in at the end. Cabernet dominated but the blue fruits and spice of the syrah adds freshness" 98 pts
Paul Edwards, The West Australian, October 22
"Jumps out the glass, but not a fruit-bomb. Perfumed dried herbs, bramble fruit, cedary oak and blackcurrant leaf. Impeccably balanced. The taste is wonderful, but the mouthfeel is king. Luxurious and plush, without being ostentatious. Flavours of bay leaf, toasted oak, cassis, rose petal and graphite roll over the tongue for minutes. A surprise package and beautifully crafted." 96 pts
Huon Hooke, www.therealreview.com, October 22
"Good depth of red-purple colour leads into a bold bouquet which reveals both varieties but neither dominant. There is cassis as well as meaty/earthy and spicy aromas, all of which translate to the palate which is intense and firm, taut and assertive, with abundant firm tannins which are nicely balanced and approachable, although it will undoubtedly age superbly. The finish is very long and the flavour is beautifully combined with firm and persistent tannins that are ripe and pleasantly mouth-coating. A very stylish blend. (65% cabernet, 35% syrah. A small production wine to celebrate 100 years of the Swinney family at 'Franklands', 1922-2022)." 95 pts