Deep garnet. Although the generosity of the nose will increase with age, this young cabernet already displays abundant red fruit jam notes, supported by blond caramel, sweet liquorice and cocoa nibs that let through hints of varietal dried herbs and fresh forest floor.
The attack is delicate and focused but the palate packs a lot of muscle for its age. Retaining some typical dry bay leaf and tobacco notes, the wine displays serious black and red cherry fruit, jammed and caramelized, complemented by focused tannins upfront that generously unravel into warm supple cocoa beans and mocha notes. The noble oak supports the structure all the way to the long licoricy finish that invites a second sip
Cape Mentelle has some very expensive, but very effective, grape sorting equipment, and this may be part of the reason for the purity and the singularity of this beautiful cabernet. It's all there, all laid out for you, blackcurrant/cassis fruit, spicy/earthy undertones and perfectly ripened tannins standing guard over the fruit. The oak is subtle, but has been carefully orchestrated.
Medium to deep red colour with a trace of purple, while the bouquet reflects vanilla and red cherry, raspberry fruit aromas, which are beginning to mellow. The wine is medium-bodied and elegantly-crafted. A really attractive wine to drink now - and remarkably complex and fascinating already, although I'm sure it will richly reward cellaring. Great intensity and palate line. It's the epitome of elegance. 08 MAR 2019 Drink 2019–2039
97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com
Product/Service Sold Out | No |
---|---|
En Primeur | No |
New Arrivals | No |
Wine Type | Red Wine |
Wine Style | Traditional |
Country | Australia |
Region | Margaret River |
Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
Vintage | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Wine Points | 98 |