The 2023 Swinney Mourvèdre is a remarkable modern Australian expression of the variety, sourced from dry-grown bush vines at the Wilson’s Pool Vineyard in Frankland River, Western Australia. Crafted by Rob Mann with around 30% whole bunches, wild fermentation and maturation in large-format seasoned French oak, the wine continues Swinney’s pioneering work with Mediterranean varieties in this cooler Great Southern climate. The 2023 vintage is especially compelling, combining Mourvèdre’s trademark savoury depth with exceptional polish, perfume and structural finesse. The nose is deeply aromatic and layered, revealing black cherry, blackberry and dark plum alongside licorice, bay leaf and clove spice. There are classic Mourvèdre savoury notes of leather, cured meat, soy, ironstone and earthy spice, yet everything is delivered with remarkable lift and refinement rather than rusticity. Floral perfume, ferrous minerality and subtle herbal freshness give the wine enormous complexity and a distinctly Frankland River identity.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with firm yet finely sculpted tannins and vibrant natural acidity that provide both tension and drive. The fruit profile balances dark berries and plum with savoury spice, gravelly minerality and earthy complexity, creating a wine that feels simultaneously powerful and highly controlled. Compared to richer South Australian Mourvèdre styles, the Swinney is more elegant, mineral-driven and structured, with a cooler-climate precision that emphasizes freshness and detail. The finish is long, savoury and persistent, with lingering ferrous, graphite-like notes and impressive ageing potential.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the benchmark Mourvèdres in Australia — a wine that has helped redefine the grape locally. Compared to traditional GSM-blend Mourvèdre, this bottling allows the variety’s earthy savouriness, spice and mineral character to fully shine while maintaining remarkable finesse and drinkability. Stylistically, it sits somewhere between Bandol and modern Rhône-inspired Australian reds, offering both power and elegance in equal measure. The 2023 vintage is especially impressive, showing exceptional polish, balance and complexity while still retaining the wild, ferrous personality that makes Mourvèdre so compelling. Already highly captivating with decanting, but this wine will comfortably cellar through 2038+ as it develops further leather, game and tertiary savoury complexity. Exceptional with lamb, venison, slow-cooked beef, chargrilled meats or richly savoury Mediterranean dishes.
