CAPE MENTELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON –
MARGARET RIVER VERTICAL TASTING
To coincide with its annual cabernet tasting in November, Chief Winemaker and Viticulturalist David Moulton and his team put on a five-decade vertical of Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon through the prism of five vintages (1983, 1993, 2003, 2013, 2023). While compact and to the point, it showed the development of style, aided by improved vineyard management and winemaking techniques. Owned by drinks behemoth Endeavour Group, the winemaking team has remained intact, resulting in continuity and clear direction. Since its acquisition from LVMH, the winery has been fine-tuned to appeal to a wider audience. For instance, it is possible to drink a Cape Mentelle 16 Hectare Chardonnay at $25 a bottle. The longstanding early drinking Cape Mentelle Trinders Cabernet Merlot releases have also traditionally been an entry point into the whole Margaret River Cabernet category (approx $35 a bottle). But flagship wine Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon (now under the Heritage label) has enjoyed a longstanding presence on the secondary wine market. With its currency guaranteed through its association with Dan Murphy’s and Langton’s it is not surprising that it is still included in this benchmark listing. That aside, Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon represents an important part of Margaret River’s history as it really did put the region on the map with the back-to-back Jimmy Watson Trophy winning 1982 & 1983 vintages. These days the winemaking team at Cape Mentelle is headed up by the highly likeable and enlightened all-rounder David Moulton, a locally trained winemaker and viticulturalist with over 20-years’ experience in the field. His natural leadership qualities are obvious. In addition, he is quick to acknowledge the contribution of his team whenever there is a chance. His senior winemaker Coralie Lewis is
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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