Posted Oct 31st 2011, 14:11
By Nick Stock
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points
The Fraser Gallop project is an exciting one to follow. Backed by the trio of the '07,'08 and '09 vintages, it's not missed a beat and is delivering wine quality that knocks on the door of Margaret River hierarchy. This shows a beautifully ripened cabernet nose: purple cherry and cassis, ripe herbs, violets and gravel, all handsomely dressed in cedary, sweetly spiced oak. The palate's rolled out in impeccably elegant fashion: smooth mid-palate tannins build gentle grain and grip towards the finish, holding fresh cherry, plum, cassis and mulberry flavour throughout. A pristine, youthful cabernet with faultless balance - hard to beat for value.
2010 Cabernet Merlot - 92 points
This is an unbelievable bargain, really delivering well above the odds and showing much of the class of the flagship wines of the region at a fraction of the price. It has a bright cassis and mulberry nose, with leafy nuances, sweet darker herbal notes, juniper, gravel and cedary oak all in the mix. The palate's bright and elegant, with juicy tannins carrying cassis and plum flavours; gently gripping with savoury, ripe, nutty tannins through the finish.
2010 Chardonnay - 93 points
The 2010 Fraser Gallop Chardonnay has a composed, gently complexed style about it: plenty of lemon and grapefruit citrus here, some flinty nuances, hints of stone fruits and lightly toasty French oak too. The palate delivers a cool, restrained yet gently creamy texture: white peach and quince here, and it's crisp and clean through the finish.
2010 Parterre - 94 points
This is the complex version of the classic dry white blend from Margaret River, showing plenty of hazlenutty oak character, lemon custard, rind and lemon barley, and some grassy, herbal notes too. The palate's a crisp, chalky and composed style with handy textural glide - really restrained citrus here. Will develop further complexity in time.
2011 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - 93 points
This 2011 crisp dry white has a strong regional streak of grass and herbal nuances, ahead of lemon citrus and vibrant tropical fruits. The palate delivers a smooth, round and even shape, with brisk, crunchy acid and gentle mixed citrus and tropical flavours ahead of a clean finish. Great balance.