Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
This wine, which honours the contribution of Professor Harold Olmo to the development of the modern Western Australian wine industry, is a combination of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and malbec. This one comes from one of the great years in Frankland River. It's medium-bodied with such wonderfully complex aromatics and flavours. High-end floral notes with a combination of red fruits and blackcurrant. And on the palate, the combination works impeccably with the brightness of the franc, the structure of the cabernet, and the voluminous fruit of the malbec. It's such a beautiful and exquisitely poised wine that is the ultimate in refinement and elegance. 97 points
Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot
Named after viticulturist Dr Harold Olmo. A blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and malbec. This is a wine that deserves your full attention and if you can decant an hour or two prior to enjoying it. Tip your nose to the glass and you are zoomed off on a exotic spice adventure, Cambodian Kampot pepper, cassis and mulberries. Some poppy and Nigella seed, sumac spice and a hint of rosehip mid way through. Another demonstration of the unique climate, this is medium bodied with elegant fine tannins that weave throughout the palate and a juicy line of acidity. There is a meaty biltong note and some chewing tobacco too. This is thrilling in every sense of the word and a testament to the visionary spirit of both Mr Olmo and the Cullam and Smith legacy. Drink now with Eight treasure stuffed duck or cellar for 10, 15, 20 years further. 97 points
Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
The Estate’s flagship red, which they describe as a Bordeaux style blend, though the majority of the wine is Cabernet Franc, supported by contributions from Cabernet Sauvignon and friends, Malbec with this vintage. And what a superb vintage it is. Deep crimson with a ruby rim, the nose offers an array of aromas including dried herbs, charcuterie, wild raspberries, red cherries, market spices, kirsch and aniseed. There is exciting energy here with good focus, knife-edge balance and impressive length. The texture is near dream-like and the wine finishes with fine, powdery tannins. Superb stuff. A twenty-year proposition. 96 points
Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
It’s the flagship red for a reason – composed, detailed and, in a way, regal. Wonderful aromas with lots of black pepper, menthol, bresaola and an array of spices; a more savoury offering this vintage, although certainly a core of good fruit. Textural, grainy tannins and fine acidity ensure the finish is long. It’s a very different iteration, as with every season, of course, but this is more pared back. It’s very good and ready to enjoy. 96 points
Cyndal Petty, Wine Pilot
There’s something regal about this 2023 Olmo’s Reward. It makes me want to wear loafers and read Jane Austen. It’s not showy or overly fruit-driven. The power is in the intellect and architecture. Palo santo, cedar and dried rose petals. I think this wine's greatness could easily be missed. In the mouth, the structure is fine, with sticky tannins, and plenty of them. Again, the savoury characters are the star. Pencil shavings, crushed terracotta and dried strawberry skins. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to watch it over the next few days, but my bet is that it will be best on day three. Time in the cellar will reward. 95+ points
Jeni Port, Wine Pilot
Olmo’s Reward gives itself away with a note that hums along in perfect tune, an irresistible inflection, in harmony with its surrounds. It is a lilting note of black pepper and it tells you exactly where you are, Frankland River in the Great Southern. Off an exceptional vintage, the ’23 Olmo’s Reward arrives fully formed and in harmony. The Bordeaux blend, led by Cabernet Franc, is pronounced in mixed black and blue berries, plums, surrounded by earth, leafy autumnal notes, wild herbs and peppery spice with a quiet violet floral note in train. Carries impressive intensity and weight with a supple, fleshy presence and ripe, savoury tannins that sweep across the palate. Finishes on a dry, cherry pip note. Will cellar brilliantly. 95 points
