Cape Mentelle Shiraz

From the Maker:

Cape Mentelle Shiraz takes inspiration from the most traditional techniques in order to highlight our ideal temperate, maritime climate for this classic Australian variety. The fruit is partially destemmed, berry sorted, cold soaked and traditionally fermented. Maturation in small barriques is aimed at retaining the refined fruit and floral characters of the variety along with the more savoury, spicy elements derived from our vineyards in Margaret River.

The aromatics are floral and spicy; wild black cherry, violets and lavender with orange marmalade and intense smoked peppercorns. Finer nuances of cardamom and cocoa nib entwine with leather and oriental spices with undertones of briar and savoury licorice notes.

The palate is rich and juicy displaying satsuma plum and ripe black forest berry fruits of mulberry and blackberry overlaying cured charcuterie and smoked pink peppercorn. Oak notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, licorice and clove interlace with red mineral earthy notes, hints of orange peel and cedar bark. The tannins are chewy, yet silky with great texture and detail.

About the Maker:

"Wine industry pioneer David Hohnen and his brothers Mark and Giles established Cape Mentelle Vineyards in 1970. Our phenomenal Cape Mentelle journey started small with just 16 hectares of vines planted on what is now referred to as the ‘Wallcliffe Vineyard’. In the early years David Hohnen experimented with grape varieties including shiraz, cabernet, zinfandel, sauvignon blanc and semillon. Many of these original plantings are the source of the distinctive wines that have come to characterise Cape Mentelle.

The area under vine increased with the establishment of the 23 hectare Trinders Vineyard in 1988 followed by the Chapman Brook Vineyard in the early 1990’s. By this time Cape Mentelle had a well established reputation in the Australian market. A partnership with Veuve Clicquot enabled Cape Mentelle to take the next step, further developing the winery with a new cellar and modern equipment and an expansion into the international market.

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