Frankland Estate Olmo’s Reward 2020

Description

Award winning family owned and operated boutique winery Frankland Estate is located in Frankland River, the coolest and most isolated wine-growing region in Western Australia.  Warm days, cool nights (maritime influenced by the proximity to the Great Southern Ocean – means milder summers and winters) optimum ripening conditions, sustainable organic practices and a pristine pollution free environment are all contributing factors to the fine wines it produces.

Olmo’s Reward is named after Dr Harold Olmo, the Californian viticulturist who in 1956 first identified the potential of the Frankland River region to produce premium wines. Cabernet Franc is the dominant component of Olmo’s Reward, typically malbec, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot play minor supporting roles giving additional complexity. A wine with complexity and subtlety yet an impressive underlying power.

All three varieties used in the blend were dry-grown on mature vines in the Isolation Ridge Vineyard at Frankland Estate. The vineyard sits on an undulating northern and eastern facing slope on ancient duplex soils of gravel and loam over a clay sub-soil. It is farmed using organic viticultural practices (certified organic in 2010) and this is reflected in the depth and concentration of fruit flavours. The vines are trained on a combination of Scott Henry Trellis system and vertical shoot attention to detail during the growing season encourages flavour development and promotes balance in the wine.

Each variety was fermented separately as slowly as possible at temperatures not exceeding 27°C. Open fermentation tanks facilitated working the cap with gentle plunging and pumping over. After fermentation, an extended maceration period allowed desired colour, flavour and tannin extraction. The component wines were blended on completion of the malolactic fermentation and then aged in French Oak for 15 months.

About this wine from the winemaker: “2020 was an outstanding red vintage combining dry yet mild conditions that resulted in wonderful fruit concentration and aromatics. A dry winter and spring resulted in reduced yields however quality was exceptional with ideal growing conditions. Whilst dry the summer cooled considerably in early March slowing ripening of the Cabernet Franc and providing fruit clarity and depth of flavour.

“A complex and distinguished wine of its own kind. Inky dark purple in colour, lifted fresh black and red berries interlaced with hints of cedar, dried Italian herbs, brambles, chocolate and dense alluring, mouth-watering aromas. The palate is soft and juicy, and it bursts into blue fruits across the palate supported by mouthcoating textural tannins that add structure and complexity. There are subtle nuances of bay leaf, spice, liquorice, and savoury elements. Its beautifully layered and complex. Well balanced acidity draws this complexity of flavours across the palate for a long, seamless finish of poise and power.”

“I have always seen Olmo’s Reward as a visionary wine. When Australia was making varietal wines, Judi and Barrie were set on realising a wine of place and a style that, to a point, transcends variety. This concept ensures we constantly reflect, review and evolve. Cabernet Franc has cemented its role at the heart of the blend (78.4% in 2020). For the first time we have included Mourvèdre (9.8%), while Cabernet Sauvignon (9.8%) and Malbec (2%) round out the wine. This evolution brings added complexity and a savoury edge with density and elegance. Of course, when we select the components, we are, to a degree, determining a result. However, Elizabeth, Brian and I (with a combined 68 vintages making wines from Isolation Ridge) are intuitively responding to what we’re given by the season and the maturing vines of our certified-organic site.” – Hunter Smith

“This Olmo’s Reward reminds me of a flower unfolding. It’s gently seductive as the juiciness opens up and you get that elegance and power with soft, sultry, fine-chalk tannins. It evolves beautifully with every sip.” – Elizabeth Smith

#7 in the Top 100 wines of Australia 2023 Jamessuckling.com – 97 Points Ned Goodwin MW-Jamessuckling.com “Among my favourite domestic clarets because it is simply so gorgeous young, while boasting the propensity to reward the faithful after long-term cellaring. Mid-weighted, detailed, impeccably restrained and so fresh. A sumptuous nose of pencil lead, cassis, crushed tea tree leaves, sage and marjoram. A dab of varnish, a smear of black olive and a waft of graphite, straying long across the mouth and into the mirage of the mind. Stunning wine. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. From organically grown grapes.’

96 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion “.. This is up there as one of the finest to date. A seamless combination of the varieties morphs into a unified, harmonious red. Supple, fine tannins yet intrinsically powerful in a way, as they coat the fuller-bodied palate, but this never feels big or weighty. The finish is as long as it is beautiful.”

94+ points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “For starters, it’s silken. But it’s also characterful, and structured, and lengthy, and rich. It’s a fantastic wine. It tastes of leather and dark chocolate, bay leaves and blackcurrant, licorice root and eucalypt. It has a gravelly, almost minerally, perhaps smoky edge – whatever it is, it adds that bit extra. Now or later; this is beautiful.”

RRP $95  *Our Special Price $82.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*