2021 Frankland Estate Riesling Frankland River Western Australia

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Rachael Ryan

Rachael Ryan

K&L Buyer

Review Date: 06/2026

If you’re not drinking Australian Riesling yet, why not? Bone dry, citrus-driven, and ultra crisp on the palate, this is Riesling for everyone who thinks they don’t like Riesling. Frankland Estate, located in the remote Frankland River region of Western Australia, is well-known in Australia as a Riesling specialist, producing vintage after vintage of zesty, mouthwateringly delicious examples of the variety, and their 2021 Estate Riesling is another fantastic release. The palate of this wine is packed with freshly squeezed lime, as well as grapefruit zest, Granny Smith apple and subtle jasmine notes. Bracing high acidity leads the wine into a lingering, long finish that is so clean and so fresh. Stony minerality and a slightly textural mouthfeel tie everything together. At well under $20, this is a ridiculously good value – the wine is very drinkable today but also has a quiet sense of austerity and restraint that, in combination with the high density of the citrus fruit notes, promises the ability to continue to age and develop classic aged Riesling aromatics with time. This is simply a superb example of dry Australian Riesling that should not be missed!

Notes

Frankland Estate is one of Australia's benchmark cool-climate producers, located in the remote Frankland River subregion of Western Australia's Great Southern. The estate was founded in 1988 by Barrie Smith and Judi Cullam, who believed the region's unique climate and ancient soils could produce world-class wines long before it gained international recognition. Frankland River's inland location provides warm, sunny days tempered by cool nights, creating a long growing season that allows grapes to ripen slowly while retaining vibrant natural acidity. Ancient ironstone gravel and gravelly loam soils further contribute to the precision and mineral character that define the region's best wines. Frankland Estate has earned particular acclaim for its Rieslings, which are celebrated for their laser-like acidity, intense citrus and floral aromas, and striking mineral backbone. Rather than emphasizing overt fruitiness, the wines are crafted in a dry, tightly coiled style that rewards patience, developing notes of lime curd, beeswax, and toast with bottle age. Their uncompromising approach to cool-climate Riesling that has established Frankland Estate as one of Australia's most respected producers.