Thursday, 26 August 2010
Cape Mentelle
There’s no denying the quality, but I walked away underwhelmed. I suspect that’s down to me rather than the winery.
2010 Georgiana Sauvignon Blanc (4/5 $16) Nicely varietal nose. An early drinking style that you'd have to hit in the near future.
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (4.5/5 $25.50) The region's characteristic white blend. Very easy short term drinking.
2008 Chardonnay (5/5 $44) Wonderfully complex barrel fermented style with abundant oak on the nose that didn't muscle its way into things when the wine hit the palate. Nicely structured, and I could be a big fan.
2006 Marsanne Roussanne (4/5 $28) Pleasant enough, though I prefer the Tahbilk take on the two Rhone varieties.
2008 Viognier (3.5/5 $28) Apricot-heavy. Not for mine.
2008 Marmaduke (4/5 $16) Light soft spicy style, very much an immediate future or medium term prospect.
2008 Sangiovese (4/5 $25) I quite liked this one, without looking at a purchase.
Trinders 2007 Cabernet Merlot (4/5 $29) Had its strong points, particularly on the palate in the tannin department, but there wasn't enough to overcome increasing scepticism about the blend.
2007 Zinfandel (4/5 $49) Muscular style with substantial layers of mixed notes on the nose, the sort of thing that demands attention and isn't for the faint-hearted. Interesting to sample, but....
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (4/5 $84) Long finish and nicely structured tannins that you'd be looking for at the price.
Ordering? Don’t think so. I’d love to have a couple of that Chardonnay. The issue is what to use to round out the case.
