Red Wine Francois Lurton Hacienda Araucano Clos de Lolol 2018. Winemaker Francois Lurton and his brother Jacques had been making wine in Chile since 1992, but it was only in 2000 that they stumbled across a stunning spot in Colchagua where the influence of the nearby ocean cools the summer heat of the valley. The brothers combined seven local estates to form one new property of 200 acres and began to experiment with different grape varieties to see what suited the terroir here. In 2013 they went one step further by converting their 30 acres of vines to biodynamic agriculture under the Demeter certification. This passion for sustainable and natural winemaking is also reflected in their use of solar power and rainwater storage for irrigation. Their magnificent Clos de Lolol red blend is both organic and biodynamic, reflecting the natural character of the estate’s best Carménère, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc plots. The fruit is harvested by hand in small crates to maintain quality and vinified separately by variety. Maturation takes place in used French oak barrels, adding subtle notes of toast and spice to the rich dark fruit character. On the palate there’s an enticing silky smooth texture, medium body, and long finish with lingering notes of cassis, dark chocolate, and tobacco leaf.
2018
Red Wine Francois Lurton Hacienda Araucano Clos de Lolol 2018
Red Wine Fraser Gallop Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. This classic example of Wilyabrup Cabernet is crafted from top quality fruit grown on north-facing slopes on the Fraser Gallop Estate. This helps ensure the grapes reach optimal ripeness while the well-draining gravel and clay soils and moderate maritime climate provide poise and balance by preserving freshness and aromatics. The vineyards are dry farmed with vigorous pruning to ensure yields are strictly limited. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and the young wine is then left to mature in used French oak barrels for 15 months. Once the ageing period is complete the wine is bottled and released. The result is an intense yet approachable Cabernet which is bursting with crushed wild berries, dark cherry and hints of eucalyptus and dried herbs. The easy-going nature of this wine makes it a great match for charcuterie, rich meat stews, or even earthy game dishes. Established in 1999, the Fraser Gallop Estate has around 50 acres of vines set on gentle slopes just 6km from the coast in Margaret River’s northerly Wilyabrup region. With similarities to the Medoc in Bordeaux, the estate specialises in producing bold yet elegant wines which are reminiscent of their French cousins.
2018
Red Wine Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Enjoying a stunning setting just 6km from the coast in the heart of Margaret River’s northerly Wilyabrup sub-region, the Fraser Gallop Estate was founded in 1999 and specialises in crafting magnificent Bordeaux-style wines. In total the estate has some 50 acres of vines which are planted on gravel and clay soils along gentle slopes leading towards the Wilyabrup Brook. Conditions here are ideal for growing premium Cabernet thanks to the moderate maritime climate which resembles that found in the Medoc in Bordeaux. The estate’s Parterre Cabernet is sourced from north-facing slopes with a little Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec included in the blend to add complexity and character. Following vinification the wine is aged in used French oak barrels for 18 months which helps to soften the punchy tannins and harmonise the different varieties. The result is a powerful, intensely flavoured red that is bursting with ripe blackcurrant, plum and dark cherry along with hints of leather, dried herbs and menthol. On the palate there is a generous full body, firm tannins and a very long finish. While this wine can be enjoyed now alongside hearty red meat dishes, it will continue to evolve and develop in the cellar over the next decade if you can wait that long.
2018