A blend of 46% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec, the 2007 Olmo’s Reward comes from a single vineyard and is matured in 30% new French puncheons. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it is scented of warm cassis, blackberry, vanilla, hung meat, balsamic, dried plum plus touches of bay leaf / Mediterranean herbs and cloves. Crisp acidity is juxtaposed by a medium-full body and great mid-palate concentration. Medium-firm finely grained tannins lend pleasant texture to the long finish. Drink this one 2012 to 2020+. “We planted Riesling when we planted our vineyard in 1988,” Judy Cullam of Frankland Estate explained when we met. “There’s a big Riesling vineyard next to us that Houghton’s had been leasing, so we knew the variety would do well. Our first vintage was the 1991. In the beginning when we would show the wine people would say to us, ‘Oh no, come back with a Chardonnay’.” Fortunately that attitude is changing and many wine cognoscenti now know that the Frankland region is begetting some world class Rieslings. Since 2001 Frankland Estate has moved from producing a regional blend to making three very impressive single vineyard Rieslings: Isolation Ridge, Cooladerra Ridge and Poison Hill. Importer: John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection; www.tapwc.com

(46% merlot, 45% cabernet franc and 9% malbec) Deep, glass-staining ruby. Subdued but vibrant aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, mint and bitter chocolate. Suave, silky and focused, with lovely finesse and a penetrating quality to the smoky flavors of dark fruit preserves and candied flowers. Very complex, subtle wine with excellent definition and purity, becoming weightier with air. Finishes with sexy floral perfume and lingering smokiness. This should age gracefully; I'd like to revisit it in three or four years.