Swinney Frankland River Mouvedre 2022

Winemaking and Drinking

Swinney Frankland River Mourvedre: The Gritty Star of the South

In the grand orchestra of wine, Mourvedre is often the quiet instrument in the back, steady, earthy, and rarely soloing. But in the remote Frankland River region of Western Australia, Swinney has handed it the microphone. Here, Mourvedre is not just part of the blend it is the main act, and it sings with a voice that is deep, wild and unmistakably Western Australian.

Origins

The Swinney family has been working this land since 1922, mostly with livestock and broadacre farming. It was not until the early 2000s that they turned their attention to wine, and even then, their choices were far from conventional. Inspired by the rugged vineyards of the Rhône and Priorat, Matt Swinney returned from his travels with a bold idea: plant Mourvedre as bush vines, dry grown and low yielding. It was a gamble. Mourvedre is a tricky grape, late ripening, sensitive and often misunderstood. But the ironstone soils and cool climate of Frankland River offered something rare: the perfect conditions for this grape to thrive.

With Rob Mann guiding the winemaking since 2018, the Swinney Mourvedre has become a revelation. Mann approaches the grape with the finesse of a classical composer, whole bunch fermentation, wild yeasts, gentle extraction and ageing in large oak vessels. The result is a wine that is both primal and polished.

Tasting

Pour a glass and you are greeted by aromas of black cherry, dried herbs and smoked meat. There is a whisper of lavender and a mineral edge that speaks of the ironstone beneath the vines. On the palate, it is full bodied but never heavy. The tannins are firm yet fine, giving the wine a muscular frame without bulk. There is a savoury depth that anchors the fruit, and a brightness that keeps everything alive. It is a wine that rewards patience, unfolding slowly and revealing new layers with each sip.

Accolades

The 2023 Farvie Mourvedre has already made waves. It earned 19.5 out of 20 from UK critic Matthew Jukes, who placed it among his Fifty Finest Wines of 2024. Young Gun of Wine called it a benchmark for the variety in Australia, praising its clarity, elegance and sense of place. Alongside its Farvie siblings, Grenache and Syrah, it forms a trio that is reshaping the narrative around Rhône varieties in Australia.

But what makes this wine truly special is not just the praise. It is the story behind it. A family willing to take risks. A winemaker who listens more than he speaks. A vineyard that whispers its secrets through every vine. The Swinney Mourvedre is not just a wine, it is a testament to vision, patience and the power of believing in the underdog.