Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cape Mentelle
Label Name:
 
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage:
 
2012
Country:
 
Australia
Region:
 
Margaret River (Wilyabrup sub-region).
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 1%.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Halliday 98 (Top 100 Australian Wines). James Suckling 95. Wine Front 94. (Sources: Cape Mentelle product notes, James Halliday listing, KLWines & reviewers)

Tasting Note
Deep, intense blackcurrant and redcurrant with violet, rolled tobacco, wet slate, dark cocoa and liquorice; fine, firm tannins and classically long, mineral finish.

Food Pairing
Roast or grilled beef and lamb (rack of lamb, ribeye), aged cheddar and hard cheeses; hearty stews and mushroom ragout; Asian: beef rendang, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu pork, spicy Sichuan beef and umami-rich dishes with soy/hoisin.

Production Method
Hand-picked fruit, destemmed and berry-sorted; fermented on skins, malolactic fermentation, matured 18 months in French (Bordeaux) barriques (50% new). Regular rackings before blending.

Vineyard Info
Cape Mentelle, a pioneering Margaret River estate since the 1970s, produces single-vineyard Cabernets from Wilyabrup/Wallcliffe parcels under winemakers including Robert (Rob) Mann. Estate focuses on site expression and careful sorting.