CAPE MENTELLE Cabernet Sauvignon
CAPE MENTELLE Cabernet Sauvignon.
After destemming, individual berry sorting and light crushing, individual vineyard batches were fermented on skins for up to 30 days. At the desired balance of fruit and tannin extraction, each batch was gently basket pressed, with harder pressings kept aside. The individual parcels were racked to oak following pressing for malolactic fermentation. The wines were matured for 18 to 20 months (depending on batches) in selected coopered barriques of which about 70% were new.
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 liquoricy finish that invites a The Cape Mentelle winemakers suggest entrecote bordelaise, peppercorn-crusted flank steak and, for the more adventurous, some roasted quails with quince and wild mushrooms.
