2024 Swinney Grenache

The Swinney family have been farming this bit of Frankland River for over 100 years, and it shows in the way they handle their vines. The Grenache comes off low-yielding bush vines on the ironstone slopes of the Wilson’s Pool vineyard – tough country that naturally keeps the fruit small, concentrated and full of character.

Each vine is picked in stages so only the best fruit makes it in. About 40% of the bunches go in whole, with wild ferments ticking away in small wooden and stainless vats. The wine then spends close to a year on lees in large old French oak before bottling, unfined and barely filtered.

It’s fragrant and bright, with red berries, spice and that unmistakable ironstone note from the soil. Medium-bodied, fresh and layered, it’s got the balance and precision that winemaker Rob Mann has made his calling card. One of those wines that feels effortless but clearly isn’t.

95 points
"Excellent balance and persistence, this is a cracker."
- Ken Gargett (Wine Pilot)

94 points
"It's bloody, earthy, dusty, fine and very impressive"
- Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)