The 2025 Swinney Riesling is a striking Frankland River Riesling from the Powderbark Vineyard in Western Australia’s Great Southern, continuing Swinney’s run of benchmark cool-climate whites. Crafted from hand-picked fruit grown on ironstone gravel soils, the wine was whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented in neutral vessels before resting on lees to build texture while preserving precision and freshness. The nose is intensely vibrant and finely detailed, revealing lime blossom, lime pith and grapefruit alongside oyster shell, green tea and wet stone minerality. There are subtle notes of agave, chalk and citrus oil, with a pronounced saline edge that gives the wine both freshness and complexity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the standout modern Australian Rieslings — combining the laser-like precision of classic Frankland River Riesling with slightly more texture and complexity than many traditional examples. Compared to leaner Clare Valley styles, Swinney offers more saline minerality, coastal freshness and layered texture while still retaining incredible tension and ageing potential. The 2025 vintage is especially impressive, with critics already highlighting its purity, structure and long-term potential. Enjoy now for its vibrant citrus energy or cellar confidently through 2040+ as it develops honeyed, toasty and mineral complexity. Exceptional with oysters, kingfish sashimi, ceviche, spicy Asian cuisine or fresh goat’s cheese.
