Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

Fraser Gallop Estate lies in the famed Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River, Western Australia—a coastal zone known for its maritime climate, gravelly laterite soils, and consistent cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean. These conditions enable a long, slow ripening of Chardonnay, preserving acidity while achieving phenolic complexity.

The vineyard was established in 1998 and is planted exclusively to estate-grown fruit. The soils are free-draining and ironstone-rich, giving the wines a distinctive mineral backbone. The 2021 vintage was notably cool, resulting in slow-ripened fruit with elevated natural acidity and a subtle, savoury edge that suits the restrained house style. These conditions further enhanced the vineyard’s inherent potential for structure and longevity, producing a Chardonnay that reflects both site and season with transparency.

Winemaking

This wine is made from 100% Chardonnay, hand-picked between 14th and 22nd February 2021. The fruit underwent wild fermentation and was matured for nine months in a blend of 50% French oak puncheons and 50% barriques, with one-third new oak. The use of puncheons aids in moderating oak impact, preserving fruit purity while introducing textural refinement.

The finished wine exhibits 12.7% alcohol, a pH of 3.07, and a notable total acidity of 9.1 g/L—all hallmarks of a high-acid, age-worthy style. A small amount of residual sugar (4.8 g/L) lends a subtle, rounded gloss to the mouthfeel without compromising its dry profile. The decision to eschew malolactic fermentation maintains the linear tension and citrus-driven clarity, while lees stirring contributes a creamy, almond-like nuance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with lime-green glints, suggesting youth and vibrancy.
• Aroma: Bursting with citrus blossom, kumquat, white peach, and hints of pineapple. Subtle top notes of cashew, lavender, and fresh thyme weave into the bouquet.
• Palate: Tightly wound and linear, it opens with lime and lemon juice clarity, underscored by a flinty, crushed pebble dryness. A soft gloss of almond and a whisper of lactone nuance add mid-palate texture. The wine closes on a saline, grapefruit zest finish with razor-sharp acidity and exceptional length.

Did you know?

Clive Otto, Fraser Gallop’s winemaker, is a renowned figure in Margaret River. Known for his precision and stylistic purity, Otto has shaped Parterre Chardonnay into a wine of international acclaim. The estate's Chardonnay consistently garners critical praise, with the 2021 vintage receiving 95 points from both Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate) and Ray Jordan, and 94+ from Gary Walsh (The Wine Front).

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Crab and citrus salad – Complements the wine’s zesty acidity and highlights its citrus and saline nuances.
• Chicken with almond cream sauce – Echoes the wine’s creamy mid-palate and almond notes.
• Grilled swordfish with herb butter – Matches the wine’s flinty edge and herbal lift.
• Roasted cauliflower with tahini and lemon zest – A vegetarian pairing that enhances the wine's texture and freshness.

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.