Swinney Franklands Cabernet Syrah 2020

Are blends better than single varietals? This Cabernet Syrah would certainly stoke the fires of debate, and I would have loved the opportunity to taste the unblended varietals. Very refined, in the claret vein, balanced poised, powerful and graceful. Stunning flavours of violets, plum, blackcurrant, raspberry, tobacco and cream. Terrific shape, across an even plane, vibrant acidity and long, refined and taut tannins. A thoroughly complete wine and even though this is a classic Australian blend, this is the most refined example that we’ve come across. Waters Wine Co

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. 95 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review

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 Points, Paul Edwards, The West Australian

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 Points – Ray Jordan, WA Wine Review 2023, November 22

This special one-off blend has been crafted to commemorate 100 years of Swinney farming at Franklands. Cabernet Syrah is considered by many to be the definitive Australian blend, so when Matt and Janelle began considering what kind of wine they could make to celebrate 100 years of farming in Frankland River, this seemed the obvious choice. It’s a beautiful wine, and a fitting tribute to the Swinney legacy.

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