Olifants River, Western Cape

Cape Mentelle

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

My last 2007 Mentelle Cabernet - last of the old white label. Very dense in colour - a dark Ruby. Cassis and blackcurrant. See previous Delectable notes. Not overly herbal like most Margaret Cabernets. Cedar and black olive notes as well. Amazing vitality and concentration for 16 years - in hindsight could have left it for longer. A ripe powerful Cabernet - more like a South Australian Cabernet in structure and fruit ripeness. An excellent vintage in Marg River which hardly ever has a bad one…..2006 comes to mind. Wish I had consumed this when 20 years of age. PS. Nick Stock said one of the greatest Cape Mentelles of all time. Only 800 cases made. — 2 months ago

David, Pooneet and 17 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

Certainly was thanks David. Every year Cape Mentelle has an International Cabernet tasting. In 2010 at the 2007 vintage tasting, the Marg River trio of Woodlands, Mentelle and Moss Wood had more consensus tasting points than Ch Margaux and Ch Leoville Las Cases. Admittedly 2007 not a great vintage in Bordeaux.
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Bob McDonald, visited Cape Mentelle once, 29 years ago, we flew from NorCal to Perth with my 6-month-old son, and spent a few days in Margaret River, hoping to get back soon. We probably tasted 1990/1/2 wines there at that time?
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

I’m sure they would have been good on your previous visit. They have a great site and back then a talented wine maker in David Hohnen who won 3 consecutive Jimmy Watson trophies back then.

Cape Mentelle

Margaret River Cabernet Merlot

Grape Fruity notes in the back of the throat followed by mineral flavors on the sides of your tongue. A truly delightful wine! Love it! — 7 months ago

Robertson Winery

The Gooseberry Bush Colombard Sauvignon Blanc 2021

New grape for me tonight. This one was 60% colombard with 40% sauv blanc. Enjoyed this one. The Colombard seemed to tone down the limey/grassy/minerality I find with most sauv blancs. Knew it was a sauv blanc, but want so “in your face”. I would look for this one again in a heartbeat. Was a 2 1/2 hr drive to the store where we bought this first one! But will look and see if I can get it closer. Was a softer, more subtle sauv blanc character. Had the grassy/ limey quality with hints of tropical fruits. Fantastic siping wine. — 4 months ago

Matthew HeyboerEthan HeyboerJody Wycech
with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others

De Wetshof

Bateleur Estate Chardonnay 2017

Lyle Fass
9.3

Rich and ripe. Malo but no as winemaker said it’s not mako and oaky but also super mineral. Nutty as well. Amazing grand cru grip and texture. Salty and slippery. Excellent. — 7 months ago

Severn liked this

De Wetshof

Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2021

Lyle Fass
9.1

Great nose. Apples and minerals. Spice. Rich and ripe. Complex and juicy. — 7 months ago

Severn liked this

Springfield Estate

Life from Stone Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Stinky guava nose. Lychee fruit. Cleansing astringent flavor. Fresh acid, cuts through other flavors. Tropical mango and guava high notes. Lovely. — a year ago

Deborah and Dawn liked this

De Wetshof

Limestone Hill Estate Chardonnay 2019

excellent bargain for an unoaked Chardonnay — 6 months ago

Houghton

Gladstones Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

First found this wine probably 11 years ago at the Annual Cape Mentelle Cabernet tasting where Cape Mentelle pits their wine against leading Cabernets from around the world including Bordeaux, Napa, NZ, and other Australians. On this occasion the 2008 vintage. This Houghtons stood out on the day. Dense in colour Barb said pitch black. Dusty cassis notes - oak is there but it doesn’t dominate - balanced and delicious. — 6 months ago

Jan, Tom and 17 others liked this

De Wetshof

Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2022

Lyle Fass
8.9

Another wine that smells like a place. Complex and pure. Really great. Great focus and amplitude. Lovey tipple. — 7 months ago

Severn liked this

Cape Mentelle

Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc - Sémillon Blend 2017

Lime and minerals nose. Citrus, green apple tangy crisp acidity. Really good with cheese. — 8 months ago