Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

The 2019 Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Fraser Gallop Estate, located in the prized Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River, Western Australia. This area is recognised for its classic gravelly loam soils, maritime influence, and ideal conditions for Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Crucially, the estate uses the Houghton clone, a historically significant Cabernet clone in Western Australia known for its supple texture, red fruit vibrancy, and powerful yet graceful structure. The 2019 vintage benefited from a cooler ripening period, producing fruit with refined tannins, moderate alcohol, and layered aromatics. The harvest took place between 4–17 April 2019, with careful vineyard management to optimise ripeness and varietal expression.

Winemaking

Each parcel of hand-picked fruit was destemmed and chilled, then fermented in closed-top fermenters with daily turbopigeage (jet-pumping over). The batch was split into three portions, each handled differently to enhance complexity and depth:

• One portion was pressed early and fermented to dryness in oak,
• Another was pressed post-ferment for fruit purity,
• The third remained on skins for 40 days post-ferment, contributing structure and richness.

The wine then spent 18 months in French oak barrels, one-third of which were new. It was racked once and topped every four weeks, promoting gentle integration of oak and tannin. The blend comprises 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, offering aromatic lift and textural nuance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Ruby red with crimson hues.
• Aroma: A savoury bouquet featuring nori sheet, bay leaf, roasted capsicum, cedar, and earthy undertones, alongside delicate red berry notes.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a juicy mid-palate of plum and mulberry. Soft, grainy tannins and balanced acidity provide structure, while subtle oak frames the fruit. The finish is long and harmonious.

Did you know?

This wine showcases the Houghton clone, a Cabernet strain originally selected in the 19th century and prized for its elegance and aromatic clarity. It is a defining feature of Western Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignons and key to the distinct style of Fraser Gallop.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Rosemary-crusted lamb rack – complements the wine's savoury notes and medium-bodied structure.
• Roast duck with cherry glaze – mirrors the wine’s juicy red fruit and gentle spice.
• Stuffed bell peppers with lentils and herbs – pairs well with the earthy and capsicum elements.
• Aged cheddar or Manchego – highlights the cedar and bay leaf character while softening the tannins.

History of Fraser Gallop Estate

Fraser Gallop Estate was founded by Nigel Gallop in 1999. Driven by a passion for wine and a desire to create world-class wines, Gallop chose the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River for its exceptional grape-growing conditions. The estate spans 165 acres, with 50 acres under vine, dedicated to the classic Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

The winemaking team, led by Chief Winemaker Clive Otto, brings a wealth of experience and a meticulous approach to both viticulture and vinification. Otto, who joined the estate in 2006, has been instrumental in shaping the style and quality of Fraser Gallop’s wines, focusing on minimal intervention and expressing the purity of the fruit and the distinct characteristics of the terroir.

Region and Vineyards

Fraser Gallop Estate is situated in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River, Western Australia, an area celebrated for its ideal climate and soils for viticulture. The estate's vineyards benefit from a maritime climate, characterized by warm summers, cool evenings, and a significant diurnal temperature range, which helps to preserve acidity and enhance flavor development in the grapes.

The soils in Wilyabrup are predominantly gravelly loams over clay subsoils, providing excellent drainage and a moderate level of fertility, ideal for producing high-quality wine grapes. The vineyards are meticulously managed with sustainable practices, focusing on vine health and fruit quality.

Wine Range

Fraser Gallop Estate produces a range of wines that showcase the best of the Margaret River region.

Their flagship wines include the Parterre range, featuring Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot. These wines are crafted to express the elegance, balance, and complexity that the region is known for.

In addition to the Parterre range, Fraser Gallop Estate also produces a limited-release series, including the Palladian Cabernet Sauvignon and Palladian Chardonnay, which represent the pinnacle of their winemaking efforts, made only in exceptional vintages.

Did you know

Fraser Gallop Estate has consistently received high praise from wine critics and has won numerous awards. One of their notable achievements includes winning the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in 2010, highlighting their commitment to excellence and their ability to compete on the world stage.