Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

Fraser Gallop Estate is located in the Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River, Western Australia. Margaret River is acclaimed for its Bordeaux-style wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. The region's climate, influenced by the Indian Ocean, provides a long growing season with ample sunshine and cool maritime breezes, ideal for producing high-quality grapes. The Wilyabrup area, known for its gravelly loam soils, contributes to the unique terroir of Fraser Gallop's vineyards, imparting a distinct minerality and complexity to the wines.

Winemaking

The Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from handpicked fruit, which is destemmed and then chilled before fermentation in closed-top fermenters.

The winemaking process includes daily pump-overs using a turbopigeur. The wine is divided into three batches to develop unique flavors and complexities:

• One batch is pressed off the skins early to complete fermentation in oak.
• Another batch is pressed just after fermentation.
• The final batch is left on skins for 40 days post-fermentation.

The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with one-third being new oak. During this period, the wine is racked once and topped up every four weeks to maintain quality.

The blend consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, contributing to its complexity and depth.

Did You Know?

The mention of the Houghton clone is significant because it is known for producing wines that are supple, succulent, and powerful with red fruit characteristics. This clone is particularly noted for its ability to imbue wines with grace and ease, traits that are evident in this vintage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium-bodied ruby red with crimson hues.
• Aroma: Savory nose with aromas of nori sheet, bay leaf, roast capsicum, earthy cedar, and some red berry notes.
• Palate: Nicely balanced with soft, grainy tannins and moderate acidity. Subtle oak integration leads to a juicy mid-palate featuring flavors of plums and mulberries.
• Finish: Admirable length, with the potential to mature gracefully in a cool cellar for 10-15 years.

Wine Pairing Ideas

The Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled Meats: The wine’s robust structure and savory notes complement grilled ribeye steak, lamb chops, and barbecued ribs.
• Hearty Stews: Try pairing with beef stew, osso buco, or a rich mushroom risotto to enhance the wine’s depth and complexity.
• Aged Cheeses: Enjoy with aged cheeses like Gouda, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or aged Manchego to balance the wine’s bold character.

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.