Posted Aug 22nd 2008, 12:13
Fraser Gallop Estate - 3 ½ STARS
Nigel Gallop began the development of the 20-ha vineyard in 1999, planting cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and multi-clone chardonnay. The vines are dry-grown with modest yields per ha, followed by kid-glove treatment in the winery. The first vintage was 2002, the wine being contract-made offsite but with Clive Otto (formerly of Vasse Felix) on board, a 300-tonne winery was built onsite for the 08 vintage.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Multi-layered, deep and complex; there is a strong mineral, slightly briary, note running through the line, along with lots of cassis and ripe tannins. 93 points
2007 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Benefits from partial barrel ferment adding to texture; driven by grassy Semillon running through to a quite long finish. 89 points
2007 Chardonnay
Grapefruit and nectarine, with a creamy touch of toasty oak; quite toasty on the palate, which just breaks the line. 89 points
2006 Chardonnay
Light-bodied; gentle stone fruit needing more intensity, but does have balance and length. 87 points