Posted Sep 6th 2011, 12:26
www.erobertparker.com
By Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon – 92 Points
Blended of 85.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 2.5% Malbec, 2.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Merlot from a single vineyard planted in 1999, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 1/3 new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives intense notes of blackberry and blueberry preserves, creme de cassis and chocolate box over violets and nutmeg. The full bodied palate is generously fruited with plenty of rich, spicy black berry and mocha flavors supported by crisp acid and firm, finely grained tannins. It finishes long with lingering notes of peppercorns and baking spices. Approachable now, it should drink best 2013 to 2020+.
2010 Cabernet Merlot – 90 Points
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2010 Cabernet Merlot has a very deep garnet purple color and aromas of ripe black currants, black cherries and plums with nuances of pencil shavings and cloves. Medium bodied with medium-high acid and a medium to firm level of finely grained tannins, the palate offers a very good concentration of ripe berry and spice flavors, finishing long with some cinnamon stick and allspice notes coming through. Drinking now, it should cellar to 2017.
2010 Chardonnay – 90 Points
Sourced off unirrigated blocks of Mendoza clone (Gin-Gin clone) vines within a single vineyard planted in 1999, Fraser Gallop's 2010 Chardonnay gives pronounced notes of ripe nectarines, peach kernels and pink grapefruit with nuances of meal, crushed nuts and orange blossom. Medium bodied, judicious use of toasty oak comes through on the palate matching the ripe stone fruit flavour intensity and enlivened by crisp acidity. It finishes long and creamy / yeasty. Delicious now, it should cellar through 2015.
2010 Parterre – 89 Points
A blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc matured for 10 months in a combination of new and old French oak barriques, French oak puncheons and stainless steel barrels, the 2010 Parterre gives a good intensity of grassy, herbaceous aromas with nuances of cedar, straw and green apple. Medium bodied with crisp acidity a suggestion of phenolic grip, it fills the mouth with herbal and citrus flavors, finishing long with lingering notes of toasty oak and citrus zest. Drink it now to 2013.
2011 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc – 88 Points
A blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2011 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc gives vibrant lemon peel, grapefruit and kumquat aromas with an undercurrent of freshly chopped herbs. Medium bodied, dry and with plenty of racy acidity, it has good flavor concentration lingering long into the finish. Drink it now through 2013.