Posted Mar 3rd 2009, 09:58
Feb/Mar 2009
Gourmet Traveller Wine
Peter Forrestal
Maximum drinking pleasure at minimum cost is Peter Forrestal's mantra as he applies simple but priceless tips to track down 20 of the best-value reds for under $20.00. The selection is impressive.
2007 Fraser Gallop Estate Cabernet Merlot
Nigel Gallop doesn't do things by halves and only became involved in the wine industry because he wanted to produce outstanding wines. Not surprisingly, he involved Keith Mugford as a consultant during the establishment stage of his Margaret River vineyard in Metricup Road and opted to plant an unirrigated vineyard. Production has been slow and yields low. The winemaker is Clive Otto who made many superb wines in his time at Vasse Felix. This and its more expensive sibling both won gold medals at Melbourne. The 2007 Fraser Gallop Estate Cabernet Merlot shows the quality of the vintage and its origins in Wilyabrup: it is fragrant and rich with bright redcurrant-pastille and cassis flavours, a tight structure and grip to finish. Impressive and approachable now but will improve with short-term cellaring. A bargain price for a gold-medal winner.