Singlefile New Releases – Spring 2023
11th September 2024
Since day one, I have been a huge fan of Singlefile. The combination of high-quality wines, beautiful packaging and sensible pricing has been quite irresistible.
And it seems that I am not the only one who thinks so. Looking at the winery’s website, the majority of the wines are sold out. I can think of no better praise indeed.
The best way to access these wines is via the mailing list.
The current releases are as good as ever. My picks for quality and value are the delicious grenache, along with the “Old School” Chardonnay.
They are well worth seeking out.
Reviewed.
Singlefile – The Vivienne – Chardonnay – 2020. A spectacular wine that is the epitome of restraint and poise. In addition to white peach, this has pretty floral and tropical fruit notes. Straight out of the bottle, the high-quality fruit on the palate was subdued by the tight-knit oak, but with air (and especially the next day) this transformed with the fruit asserting its authority with aplomb. Really needs 5 years in the bottle to hit its straps or give it an hour in a decanter to bring it to life. 12.6% alc. – 95+pts – $100.
Singlefile – Old School – Chardonnay – 2022. An “old school” wine by name, but this is a superb example of a middle-of-the-road chardonnay that is bursting with character. The fruit is everything in this wine, but thanks to skilful winemaking, the texture and mouthfeel are the defining features. This has a viscosity and silkiness in the mouth that is quite captivating. There is great length and persistence on the palate with grapefruit-like citrus characters building on the finish. This may be quite cellar-worthy, but my tip is to enjoy it in its youthful prime. And be sure to try it with food. Wild ferment in new Burgundian oak, 13.6% alc., 96pts – $79.
Singlefile – Clement V – 2022. Dense, rich powerful and very good, with sweet ripe fruit to the fore, and gentle chocolatey notes building. Whilst clearly cooler climate, this is a generous style and all the better for it. Long, supple and delicious, with subtle clove notes and a refreshing touch of amaro-like astringency. Whilst age-worthy, this would be a brilliant BBQ wine this spring. A smashing drink. 14% alc. – 94pts – $37
Singlefile – Grenache – 2022. The fruit is pretty and perfumed and possesses great intensity. Not quite pinot, but definitely medium-bodied in weight. The palate is lithe, fresh, supple, long and gently textured. A complete wine that is already good to go but will cellar comfortably for a decade or more. If every you needed an argument to show that Frankland is perfectly suited to grenache, then this is the wine to use. 95pts – $40.
Singlefile – Small Batch Series – Pinot Noir – 2021. An irresistible combination of fragrant, pretty pinot fruit and plush, generously textured mouthfeel. Cherry? Yep, with satsuma plum acidity adding depth and drive. The oak adds subtle toasted notes and adds depth and texture. From a single barrel, this is a wine that needs no accompaniment, but is versatile enough to accomplish a variety of foods. 14.2% alc. 94pts – $59.
