Frankland River Mourvèdre Rosé 2023, Swinney

Pale salmon colour. Fresh strawberry and rose water notes combine with some subtle complexity including Mourvèdre’s signature Szechuan pepper character, oyster shell and beeswax. A textural, full-flavoured yet finely-balanced rosé, with rhubarb and pomegranate on the palate, combined with satisfying creaminess. It has refreshing pithy acidity and a bone dry, briny finish. Mourvèdre from dry-grown bush vines on the rich gravelly-loam soils of the Swinney Wilson’s Pool vineyard. Careful canopy management, fruit thinning and selective hand-harvesting over multiple passes are employed to ensure as close to perfect fruit as possible. A small percentage of Grenache and Vermentino are included for subtle complexity, and the fruit was whole-bunch pressed, filled directly to seasoned French oak barriques and then naturally fermented. The wine rested on its lees for three months to preserve freshness and develop texture.