Fraser Gallop Estate's Parterre Chardonnay 2018 has received the ultimate accolade of best in show at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards, announced in London last week.
It was one of two Western Australian wines to be recognised in the awards this year, and one of only six from Australia.
Decanter announced that it was a great year for chardonnay in their competition: "This Western Australian example stood out for its sheer assurance and class, as well as for the intelligence of its approach: perfectly judged ripeness and skillful vinification are both amply in evidence here.
"We've always known that Margaret River can make great chardonnay: here's yet more proof in a balanced, contemporary style which sings."
It was Fraser Gallop Estate's second major recognition from Decanter; in 2009 the Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 was awarded the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend under a slightly different awards structure.
Fraser Gallop vigneron Nigel Gallop said to their knowledge it was the first time an Australian producer has won the award for both their red and their white wines.
"This is an great honour and a testament to the great team here at Fraser Gallop Estate," he said.
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Now in its 17th year, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world's largest and most influential wine competition. Chaired by the experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous judging process.
Throughout August 116 judges including 37 masters of wine and nine master sommeliers tasted and analysed the merits of 16,518 wines produced by some of the world's top wineries in 56 countries.
Six vineyards from Australia were awarded Best in Show.
Mr Gallop said it had been a challenging year for the industry and for their estate.
"To receive this following our 18th vintage in the Estate's 21st year of operation is quite a birthday present," he said.
"Over the years we have had great recognition from Australian wine critics both within the media and wine show fraternity, which is something we truly value, and to receive acknowledgment again from independent arbiters abroad in the Northern Hemisphere is incredibly gratifying."
Established in 1999, Fraser Gallop Estate comprises 50 acres under vine of which approximately 18.5 acres are planted with chardonnay vines.
Fraser Gallop chief winemaker Clive Otto said the beauty of chardonnay was its ability to vary drastically on the palate depending on where it is produced.
"The grapes adapt so well to their surrounding environment that the resulting wines truly encapsulate each sub-region," he said.
"We challenged ourselves to create a chardonnay that is the quintessential representation of our region, capturing and expressing the best of the Estate, the nuances of the vineyard and Wilyabrup as a whole.
"We believe we have achieved this with our 2018 Parterre Chardonnay."