TN: Whicher Ridge Long Road Shiraz (Frankland River) 2014

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

This is the new release from Whicher Ridge. As for every vintage since 2008, the grapes are sourced from the Frankland River, and I bought this 'on spec' given the form of previous vintages.

I've opened it too young, and last night it was sharp and angular. After 24 hours in the decanter, it's showing much better. Brooding purple in colour, the nose shows dark chocolate, blueberries, dark plums and vanillan oak. It's a fairly rich nose without being overpowering.

The palate is medium to full bodied, again without being over the top. There's more dark fruits, with good supporting acid and slightly grippy, fine tannins. It's balanced and very satisfying, without being too heavy or chunky - so some elegance.

I won't be opening the next one for a couple of years at least. Just as well I have some of the back vintages - these are really good at about 7 years of age, and I suspect this will continue the line.

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

Whicher Ridge is a small producer which is in the lower end of the Geographe region of WA - just north of the Margaret River boundary. They make a range of wines - not always from Geographe fruit. This is from Frankland River. Time to look at another bottle of this.

Still purple in colour. A rich nose with blueberries, dark and red plums, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, cedary oak and mocha. Almost Christmas cake-like.

The palate has moved into some red fruits along with the darker fruits and a touch of Kirsch. The considerable fruit sweetness is offset somewhat by a savoury character, perhaps oak derived. Tannins have almost completely integrated, and acid is present but not dominating. There's an an overall impression of softness and juiciness. The wine finished reasonably long and flavourful.

I'm not sure this will get much better, and won't leave it as long next time to open one of the remaining bottles. Good wine!

Cheers
Allan

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[kenzo]

Allan, I know I've said this before, but these TNs are an archival gem - many thanks!

[Chuck]

I've been buying a few Franklin River wines and they continue to impress. Both shiraz and cabernet and blends.

[Waiters Friend]

Allan, I know I've said this before, but these TNs are an archival gem - many thanks!

Thanks Kenzo -it's nice to know they are appreciated.

I've been buying a few Frankland River wines and they continue to impress. Both shiraz and cabernet and blends.

And rieslings too. Undervalued wines - but don't say that too loudly or they will put the prices up!

[Chuck]

Enjoyed my last Houghton WC Ferguson 2013 Cabernet Malbec last night. Another Franklin River gem. Gosh what a lovely wine. Perfectly balance and everything integrated. Stunning fruit. FR cabernet is quite approachable in its youth and blossoms with age. Have a case of the 17 vintage to try in a few years. Yum