Posted Jul 31st 2009, 10:06
5 STARS
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rating 95
A high-quality wine from the first whiff of the bouquet through to the long finish; the medium to full-bodied palate has a tapestry of flavours from the base of Cabernet Sauvignon (88%)/Petit Verdot/Cabernet Franc/Malbec, all supported by persistent but ripe tannins, the oak absorbed by the fruit. To 2022.
2007 Cabernet Merlot
Rating 94
Good depth and clarity to the colour; unsurprisingly driven by its almost succulent cabernet component (92%); seductive currant flavours framed by quality French oak and fine tannins. Bargain. To 2027.
2008 Chardonnay
Rating 92
Straw-colour; a complex wine, with nectarine and white peach fruit cradled by subtle French oak; has good length and balance. To 2014.
2008 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Rating 91
Partial barrel ferment immediately obvious on the bouquet, but is well integrated on the crisp palate, which has good length. To 2012.
Nigel Gallop began the development of the vineyard in 1999, planting cabernet sauvignon, semillon, petit verdot, cabernet franc, malbec, merlot and multi-clone chardonnay. The vines are dry-grown with modest yields, 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. As well as wines under the Fraser Gallop Estate label, limited amounts of contract wine are made for others. Exports to the UK, the US and Singapore.