Results in Ray Jordan's 2023 WA Wine Review
We were delighted to receive our copy of Ray Jordan's newly published 2023 WA Wine Review this week and see some fantastic results across our Great Southern, Single Vineyard, Small Batch and Limited Release collections. Among the reviews, our 2022 Single Vineyard Porongurup Fumé Blanc was named runner-up best Sauvignon Blanc of the year, the 2021 Single Vineyard Frankland River Grenache (yet to be released) was named runner-up best Grenache of the year, and our fan-favourite 2022 Great Southern Rosé was named runner-up best Rosé of the year.
2021 Singlefile Family Reserve Chardonnay
From a single vineyard in Denmark comes this first-rate chardonnay. From the outset notes of brioche, hazelnut and peachy stone fruit emerge. The flavour combination is exquisitely complex. It builds in layers with a fine savoury thread and precise acidity holding it through to a sustained finish. There is a creamy crème brulee palate that completes the picture.
96 points
2022 Great Southern Rosé
I like everything about this wine from the presentation in the cute little bottle through to the marvellous modern expression of rose inside. It’s made from sangiovese which brings a dry savouriness to the equation. It’s the palest of blush pink with a beautiful palate that is bright and textured. This nails every aspect of contemporary rose.
95 points, Runner-up Best Rosé of 2023
2020 Single Vineyard Frankland River Clément V
This is quite simply, beautiful. It’s from a blend of shiraz grenache and mataro sourced from Frankland River. Highly scented aromas with notes of spicy plum and mulberry plus a little black cherry complexity. The palate is velvety and generous as the combination of subtle oak and fine tannins knit it together. Has a dry savoury red dirt finish.
95 points
2022 Single Vineyard Porongurup Fumé Blanc
This comes from a single vineyard in the Porongurups and as a result brings a fine restraint to the fruit. The aroma is thoroughly beguiling with its mix of lemon butter, quince and roasted nuts. The oak has been brilliant managed to ensure the lively sauvignon blanc fruit is not compromised but enhanced. Has a minerally pure palate which extends to a very long finish. Outstanding example of the style. I know this will age quite well but I love it to drink now.
95 points, Runner-up Best Sauvignon Blanc of 2023
2020 Small Batch Mataro
From the first time I tasted this at the cellar door early in the year I thought it special. My view remains unchanged. It’s medium boded but wow, does it hold a palate full of riches. Has the smoky savoury earthiness of mataro with a mix of darker black fruits and a gentle lift of bright raspberry. It’s so effortless as it floats across the palate towards that pleasing dry savoury finish.
95 points
2018 Limited Release 'The Philip Adrian' Cabernet Sauvignon
There have been some very good wines in this now well-established line, but I don’t think there has been a better one. Shows the stylish refined virtues of Frankland River cabernet. Intriguing mix of black fruits with a dusting of iron filings on the nose. There’s a regional and varietal character there. The smooth graceful lines of the palate focus to a sustained long finish. Outstanding.
98 points