From Sheep to Shiraz: Our Cultivated Collection's Journey Through Time

When our grandparents, Vic and Netta, first chose this rugged 1220-hectare property in 1946, they saw something special. Netta even gave it the name "Alkoomi" – meaning "a place we chose" in the local Indigenous language. Little did they know that their choice would shape not just our family's future, but help establish Frankland River as one of Western Australia's most distinctive wine regions.

Our Pioneering Vines

It was in 1971 that our parents, Merv and Judy, made what many considered a bold decision at the time. They planted our first vines – just one hectare each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, along with small parcels of Shiraz and Malbec. These original plantings, now over 50 years old, have become the heart and soul of our Cultivated Collection.

Today, these heritage vines continue to produce some of our finest fruit. We've watched them mature and strengthen over the decades, their roots reaching deep into our ironstone-rich soils, producing wines of exceptional character and complexity.

A Collection Born from Our Land

Our Cultivated Collection pays homage to the majestic eucalyptus trees that have been here far longer than any of us. Each wine is named after these ancient guardians of our property – Blackbutt, Jarrah, Wandoo, and Melaleuca. These trees have watched over our vines since they were first planted, and we believe they're as much a part of our wine's character as the soil and climate.

We're incredibly proud of how these wines showcase the unique qualities of our Frankland River terroir. The Mediterranean-like climate here, with its cool nights and warm days, along with those welcome sea breezes that find their way inland during summer afternoons, helps us create wines of remarkable finesse and longevity.

Crafted with Pride

Each vintage of our Cultivated Collection is a celebration of family, place, and time. We carefully tend these older vines throughout the year, understanding that their age and deep root systems bring an extra dimension of complexity to our wines. Every bottle is crafted to reflect not just the exceptional fruit these vines produce, but the decades of family knowledge passed down through three generations.

We've been humbled by the recognition these wines have received. Recent accolades like the 95 points from James Halliday for our Blackbutt and Melaleuca Riesling, and consistently high scores for our Jarrah Shiraz, tell us we're doing justice to these remarkable old vines.

Looking Forward

As Laura and Tim step forward to continue our family's legacy, we're filled with excitement for the future. These heritage vines, planted with hope and vision by Merv and Judy all those years ago, continue to produce wines that exceed our expectations.

We believe wine is about celebration and sharing. When you open a bottle from our Cultivated Collection, you're not just tasting wine – you're experiencing a piece of our family's history. These wines are made to bring people together, to build a sense of community, and to create lasting memories.

From our family table to yours, we invite you to share in this legacy we've cultivated over three generations. Each glass tells a story of our land, our family, and our commitment to crafting authentic wines that truly reflect our special corner of Frankland River.

Visit us at our Frankland River or Albany tasting room to experience the Cultivated Collection for yourself. We'd love to share these special wines with you, along with the stories behind each bottle.