Cape Mentelle Shiraz 2016
Vintage: 2016
Grapes: Shiraz 100%
Origin: Margaret River, Australia
The river: The brilliant idea of Margaret River as a wine growing region started as a “gut feeling”. Agronomist Dr John Gladstones knew the district well. He saw undulating, well-drained ironstone gravel soils carrying healthy marri trees (Eucalyptus callophylla) which were regarded in Western Australia as an indication of prime vineyard soils. Climate data suggested strong growing-season similarities to Bordeaux but warm, sunny Margaret River promised to be even better. The likely ripening period was drier, despite higher annual rainfall.
Temperatures were tempered by the maritime location and sea breezes from the Indian and Southern oceans. There was only a minimal risk of spring frost.
Gladstones recognised that the region possessed all the elements for growing Bordeaux grape varieties. Cape Mentelle, the Margaret River pathfinder, was one of the founding vineyards with planting beginning in 1970.
Some 50 years since the first vines were planted, the Margaret River wine region is recognised as one of the world’s finest. Today this thriving industry produces consistently high quality cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and semillon to delight connoisseurs around the world.
Margaret River wineries have a reputation for producing wines with delightful individual fruit character that conjure up the sense of place for one of the most spectacular environments on earth.
Winemaking: 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.
Tasting 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.
Pairing:The savoury complexity of this wine matches very well with a vegatable laden lasagne of smoked eggplant, chili feta, grilled zuchini and red capsicum. A simple grilled veal chop on the bone, or venison fillet served with truffle garlic mash, slow roasted fennel and honeyed carrots enhances the spicy and savoury elements of this shiraz exquisitely
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