La Donna del Vino

FRANKLAND ESTATE Isolation Ridge Riesling 2010

Frankland River, Western Australia

The hardworking team at Frankland Estate have been showcasing the best from this prime vineyard site at Isolation Ridge, which sits on an iron­stone ridge with ancient duplex soils of gravel and loam. Not only does it grow their stunning Isolation Ridge Shiraz, but it is also home to their dry-grown vines that are consistently producing a beautiful Riesling. There are graceful floral notes that then pull you into its juicy citrus palate and distinctly spicy ironstone minerality. An absolute cracker from these guys, and one with the bonus potential to age just as distinguishingly.

PUNTERS CORNER Spartacus Reserve Shiraz 2002

Coonawarra, South Australia

Well we all got a bit excited this week at my work when we decided to pull the almighty Spartacus from out of the cellar! It collected a number of accolades back in the day when it was first released, promising the prospect of ageing beautifully. Do you know what? It is still a commanding wine. There is an unmissable dense blackberry and spice core but the tannins have now smoothed to provide a more refined and delicate finish. I’m sure there’d be plenty of people willing to be a slave to such a stellar wine…

Note: You have failed if you did not get the Spartacus reference there…

Tags: Frankland Estate, FRANKLAND ESTATE Isolation Ridge Riesling 2010, Punters Corner, PUNTERS CORNER Spartacus Reserve Shiraz 2002, Review