Faber Vineyard Malbec Frankland River 2023

Accolades 🏅

Wine Companion – 95 Points

This is proper stuff. Lush and soft, rich and round, but all the balance in play. Sweet spices meet ripe fruit plays with gentle woody notes and a sluice of crushed rock minerality underlying. Loaded with character, layers to the wine, a light, palate-staining intensity and yet freshness, too. It mainlines the variety and delivers great satisfaction.

Tasting Notes 🍷

• Colour: Deep ruby with purple flashes.
• Aromatics: Bursting with ripe black plum, crushed cassis, bay leaf, a whisper of sea spray and hints of cinnamon and pipe tobacco.
• Palate: Rich and juicy on entry, with a pillowy mouthfeel and layers of plush black fruit. Velvety tannins coat the palate, supported by hints of sweet spice, tobacco leaf, and cedar. Vibrant acidity adds freshness, keeping everything beautifully in balance.

Finish: Long, soft, and moreish, with lingering fruit and spice.

Winemaker’s Note

“This is a wine that wears its heart on its sleeve. We wanted to showcase Malbec’s naturally rich, juicy character while bringing in a layer of charm and structure from American oak. It’s a wine to drink with people, with food, or with both. Once opened, it doesn’t stay full for long.”

Sustainability & Regional Expression

Crafted with fruit from two premium WA regions—Frankland River provides backbone and acidity, while Donnybrook contributes plushness and aromatics. Minimal intervention in the winery allows Malbec to do what it does best: be bold, generous, and seriously good fun to drink.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Serving Temperature: 16°C for ideal texture and aromatics. If being stored at room temperature place in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to drinking.

• Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar to 2028 for more savoury development.

• Glassware: A large red wine glass will amplify the bold aromatics and soft tannins.

FAQ – Malbec & Wine Terms Explained 🤔

Q: What is Malbec known for?
A: Malbec is loved for its deep colour, plush fruit, and smooth tannins. Originally from France, it thrives in warmer climates where it develops rich, ripe flavours.

Q: What does “American oak” add to the wine?
A: American oak tends to give sweeter spice notes—think vanilla, cinnamon, coconut—and a rounder, more plush mouthfeel compared to French oak.

Q: Why blend fruit from two regions?
A: It’s all about balance. Frankland River adds structure and freshness, while Donnybrook gives the wine ripeness and aromatic lift.

Q: What does “mouth-coating tannin” mean?
A: It refers to the soft, velvety texture that lingers on your palate after a sip—like the wine is giving your mouth a little hug.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder – Rich and savoury to match the wine’s plush depth.
• Smoked Brisket Tacos with Chimichurri – A match made in flavour heaven.
• Eggplant Parmigiana – Hearty, cheesy and perfect with Malbec’s velvety tannin.
• Roast Mushroom Risotto – Earthy richness meets dark fruit and spice.

Technical Details

• Grape Variety: 100% Malbec

• Region: Frankland River & Donnybrook, WA

• Alcohol: 13%

• Maturation: 15 months in new and second-use American oak

• Oak Influence: Medium – sweet spice and plush mouthfeel

• Sweetness: Dry

• Body: Medium

• Closure: Screw cap

• Cellaring: Drink now or to 2028