2024 Swinney Farvie Grenache

The 2024 Swinney Farvie Grenache is one of the most profound modern Grenaches produced in Australia — a flagship wine that continues to redefine the possibilities of the variety in Frankland River, Western Australia. Sourced from the most ironstone-rich and gravelly section of the dry-grown bush-vine Wilson’s Pool Vineyard, the wine is meticulously hand-selected over multiple vineyard passes before being crafted by Rob Mann with around 60% whole-bunch fermentation and maturation in large-format seasoned French oak. The result is a Grenache of extraordinary perfume, structure and mineral intensity that sits comfortably among the world’s great examples of the variety. The nose is intensely aromatic and hauntingly layered, revealing wild raspberry, sour cherry, blood plum and cranberry alongside dried rose petals, blood orange and exotic spice. There are deeper savoury nuances of ironstone, wet slate, truffle, leather and fresh earth, with a distinct ferrous minerality that has become the signature of Swinney’s Frankland River wines. Whole-bunch fermentation contributes lifted herbal freshness and floral complexity, while the fruit remains pristine and crystalline throughout.

On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet remarkably powerful, with silky but tightly wound tannins and vibrant natural acidity that give the wine immense tension and drive. Layers of red and dark berry fruit unfold across a finely etched mineral spine, combining intensity with precision and freshness. Compared to warmer-climate Australian Grenache styles, the Farvie is far more savoury, structural and ironstone-driven, emphasizing purity, energy and detail over plushness. The 2024 vintage carries slightly more muscle and fruit weight than the ethereal 2023, yet still retains exceptional poise and finesse. The finish is extraordinarily long and persistent, with lingering notes of spice, crushed rock, blood orange and ferrous earthiness.

Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is unquestionably one of the benchmark Grenaches in Australia — and increasingly one of the great Grenaches of the world. Compared to richer, sweeter-fruited Grenache styles from McLaren Vale or Barossa, Farvie offers astonishing mineral tension, savoury complexity and structural finesse while still delivering immense concentration and depth. Stylistically, it sits somewhere between Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Priorat and a uniquely Australian ironstone-driven interpretation of Grenache. The 2024 vintage is especially compelling because it combines the concentration of a warm, early year with remarkable freshness and precision thanks to Swinney’s obsessive viticulture and Frankland River’s cool nights. Already breathtaking with extended decanting, but this is absolutely a wine for long-term cellaring. Drink now with patience or cellar confidently through 2045+ as it develops further spice, leather, earth and tertiary complexity. Exceptional with lamb, venison, game meats or deeply savoury Mediterranean dishes.