FRASER GALLOP | Cabernet Merlot | 2019
cabernet sauvignon | merlot | cabernet franc

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Established in 1999, Fraser Gallop Estate is at the heart of Margaret River’s Wilyabrup valley (the coastal, mid northern part of Margaret River), six kilometers from the South West Coast of Western Australia. The estate’s vineyards enjoys splendid isolation and a moderate maritime climate, influenced by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, with vines planted on north-facing slopes on gravel subsoil, that ensures good drainage, while the high clay content enables good water retention throughout summer, thus providing ideal conditions in which to grow Bordeaux grape varieties. 

Today we are going to review a wine that hardly requires any introduction, as it comes from one of the most famous wine labels from the lands of Down Under – Cabernet Merlot 2019 by Fraser Gallop Estate. Despite its suggestive name, this wine is a blend of three grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon (84%), merlot (13%) and cabernet franc (3%), meant to combine the substance of cabernet sauvignon (which forms the wine’s main body and structure), with the opulence of merlot (which is all about up-front richness and a more refined mid-palate) and the terroir-driven rusticity of cabernet franc (which offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish). All the grapes have been sourced from the Wilyabrup valley (famous for its gravel and clay-rich soils) in Margaret River and in order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity to the final blend, but at the same time to preserve the footprint of the local terroir and the varietal essence of the three grape varieties, this wine has been aged for just 9 months in used french oak barrels. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: medium-deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | garnet shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, this wine is displaying a vibrant fruit character with notes of red and black fruits, that are delicately intertwined with savory undertones: cranberry, redcurrant, blackberry, iron, veal and old leather. The presence of oak-derived hints of sun-dried oakwood and tobacco, offers an extra dimension to the wine complex aromatic profile, while hints of brown olive and cured meat contribute to its savory allure. The background is dominated by terroir-driven, earthy whispers of clay, loam and marl, enriched by subtle spicy undertones of cloves, anise and red pepper, that further enhance the wine’s aromatic tapestry. This wine represents a harmonious balance between its ripe fruit character and earthy undertones, inviting the senses to explore its complexity and enjoy a genuine terroir-driven tasting experience.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: seedy

On the palate, this wine delivers a captivating interplay of flavors that enthrall the senses. Its crisp acidity instantly invigorates the palate, while the seedy tannins provide a satisfying grip, adding structure to the wine. A touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth and strength to the overall mouthfeel, enhanced by the ripe fruit character and savory undertones, showcasing their vibrant and rustic essence. Additionally, some earthy and subtle spicy hints in the background contribute to the wine’s well voluptuous complexity. Its round and ample body creates a sense of fullness and richness, culminating with a pleasantly seedy aftertaste that lingers quite a while on the mouthfeel, leaving a lasting and memorable impression.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or within 3 to 4 years
verdict: great | a must try wine

Overall, this is a round, ample and plump wine blend with a very rich and voluptuous mouthfeel. Its complex character is a testament to its terroir-driven nature, representing the very essence of a textbook old-world Bordeaux-styled blend. With its captivating interplay of flavors, from ripe red and black fruits to earthy and savory undertones, complemented by crisp acidity and seedy tannins, this wine is a real classic. This wine holds promises for further bottle aging, which will elevate its elegance and further highlight its savory-rustic nature – a wine that managed to encapsulate the spirit of the old world in the lands of Down Under.

//Scoring
FRASER GALLOP | Cabernet Merlot | 2019
variety: cabernet sauvignon | merlot | cabernet franc
country: Australia | Western Australia
region: Margaret River | Wilyabrup
rating: 93.7
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This is definitely a great wine of Australia and, with a total of 93.7 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s rustic and savory character, we would recommend pairing it with a classic dish like Tournedos Rossini, as the wine’s complex flavor profile, with its ripe red fruit notes and earthy-savory undertones, will beautifully complement the rich and indulgent flavors of the dish. The tender and juicy beef tenderloin, topped with foie gras and served on a bed of buttery brioche, will harmonize with the wine’s ample and voluptuous body. In the same key, the crisp acidity and seedy tannins in the wine will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. This pairing will create a delicate and rustic dining experience, showcasing the wine’s terroir-driven character. Enjoy!

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