White Wine Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay 2020. Founded in 1999, the Fraser Gallop Estate lies just 6km from the coast of Western Australia in the northerly sub-region of Wilyabrup in Margaret River. The estate has some 50 acres under vine set on gravel and clay soils on gentle slopes around the Wilyabrup Brook. Conditions here are reminiscent of those found in the Medoc in Bordeaux and the estate specialises in crafting elegant yet powerful wines inspired by their French cousins. The moderate maritime climate helps to produce sensational Chardonnay thanks to the cooling sea breezes which help preserve freshness and aromatics in the grapes. Fraser Gallop plant their Chardonnay vines on south-facing slopes with all the fruit carefully harvested by hand to maintain quality. Once in the winery the grapes are pressed and fermented using wild yeasts in oak barrels and 500 litre puncheons. After fermentation is complete the barrels are stirred once a week for a month to add a rich, creamy texture and more complexity. The young wine is then aged in the barrel for 9 months, producing subtle notes of vanilla, toasted oak and spice with mingle on the nose with bright citrus, peach and pink grapefruit.
2020
White Wine Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay 2020
White Wine Freemark Abbey Chardonnay 2020. For approximately 135 years, there has been a wine cellar at Freemark Abbey. It only became known as Freemark Abbey in 1939, but previously existed as Lombarda Cellars and Tychson Cellars, as far back as the 1880s. The current team produces a delicious range of wine in the heart of Napa Valley, rivalling anything produced in the establishment’s long history. Freemark Abbey sources its grapes from a variety of appellations around Napa Valley, and this Chardonnay is a testament to the winery’s diversity. The region is famous for its reds, Cabernet Sauvignon in particular, and while its white wines are less known, they tend to have a complex and highly enjoyable character. Aromas of ripe apple, peach and buttered toast float from the bottle, it is taut and fresh to taste. Three parts were aged in French oak barrels and one part in stainless steel tanks, for 10 months. Flavours of stone fruit and lemon rind mingle with sweet vanilla and baking spices on the palate, which also bears a tangible oakiness. This wine is excellent value, having received several 90+ ratings from critics. It has a lingering finish, which reveals notes of grapefruit and delicate apple skin. Pair it with creamy fish or meat dishes, or toasted nuts.
2020
White Wine Gaia Assyrtiko Wild Ferment 2020. Launched in 1994 by Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos on the Greek island of Santorini, Gaia Wines is a pioneering project that aims to capture the essence of the island’s native grapes, mixing traditional methods with the most innovative production techniques. The indigenous Assyrtiko grapes are vinified using the ancient method called Kouloura” or basket-shaped, a practice that dates back over 3,000 years.
2020