The wines of Ferngrove, Frankland River, Western Australia

The wines of Ferngrove, Frankland River
Impressive wines from the Great Southern region of Western Australia

Website: www.ferngrove.com.au

Established back in 1998 by Murray Burton, Ferngrove is located in the Frankland River region of Western Australia, and is part of the larger Great Southern region. It’s just 90 km from the coast, and this is definitely a cool climate region.

The wines are made from the two estate vineyards. First, there is Frankland Valley Vineyard, with 70 hectares, and then the Ferngrove Vineyard, which is 155 hectares. As is usual for Australian wineries, quite a range of varieties are grown here.

As well as making wines from estate-grown fruit, the lower ranges incorporate brought-in grapes. The wines reviewed here are from the Orchid range, which is the higher-end stuff made from estate grapes. Not tasted here was the top red, The Stirlings, whose varietal composition depends on what did best that year.

I was really impressed by these wines, especially the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. They are available in the UK from Find Wine (www.findwine.co.uk) . UK agent is Seckford Wine Agencies.

THE WINES

Ferngrove Cossack Riesling 2010 Frankland River
Refined, slightly limey nose is quite mellow. The palate is fresh and bright with lovely focus. Pure, elegant and mineralic, with lemon fruit. 90/100

Ferngrove Diamond Chardonnay 2009 Frankland River
Fresh, focused nose is bright and lemony with subtle nut and toast overtones. The palate is concentrated, intense, pure and fresh with bright lemon fruit and subtle nuttiness. Thrillingly pure. 93/100

Ferngrove Majestic Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Frankland River
Focused red cherry and berry fruit nose. The palate is fresh and focused with lovely purity and a subtle chalky, mineral edge. Great acidity. Lovely wine. 93/100

Ferngrove Dragon Shiraz 2008 Frankland River
Fresh red fruits nose with a spicy, minty edge. The palate shows taut, fresh, sweet berry fruits with some generosity of texture and good acidity, as well as meaty notes. Needs time. 91/100

Ferngrove King Malbec 2008 Frankland River
Fresh, dark and gravelly with nice elegance, lovely focus and bright fruit. Good acidity too. A really attractive wine. 91/100