Barossa, South Australia, Australia
Brief notes. I’ve never rated Cabernet from the Barossa as high as Cab from other SA areas like Coonawarra or McLaren Vale but this Mentor was very good. Very dark in colour with leafy black currant notes. Matured for 18 months in French oak hogsheads the influence from which has been totally absorbed/resolved. Perfect balance. See previous note from February 2020.
Brief notes. I’ve never rated Cabernet from the Barossa as high as Cab from other SA areas like Coonawarra or McLaren Vale but this Mentor was very good. Very dark in colour with leafy black currant notes. Matured for 18 months in French oak hogsheads the influence from which has been totally absorbed/resolved. Perfect balance. See previous note from February 2020.
Jul 12th, 2023Dusty, mint, tomato leaf and vanilla aromas. On the medium bodied palate with this Bordeaux blend which also adds Shiraz and Malbec there are black currant and savoury flavours. Finishes with some astringency. I have always thought the Barossa Valley is best suited to Shiraz personally although there are some historic blocks of Cabernet like Penfolds Block 42 which can produce some amazing Cabernet from ancient vines in the Barossa.
Dusty, mint, tomato leaf and vanilla aromas. On the medium bodied palate with this Bordeaux blend which also adds Shiraz and Malbec there are black currant and savoury flavours. Finishes with some astringency. I have always thought the Barossa Valley is best suited to Shiraz personally although there are some historic blocks of Cabernet like Penfolds Block 42 which can produce some amazing Cabernet from ancient vines in the Barossa.
Feb 14th, 2020Better than expected for a Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon. I have traditionally thought that Barossa is best suited to Shiraz and Coonawarra better for Cabernet but obviously there are occasions where vice versa applies. Proper Cabernet descriptors of Mint Tomato Leaf and Blackberry. Oak is there but in balance with the ripe fruit with fine persistent tannins. All round a good effort.
Better than expected for a Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon. I have traditionally thought that Barossa is best suited to Shiraz and Coonawarra better for Cabernet but obviously there are occasions where vice versa applies. Proper Cabernet descriptors of Mint Tomato Leaf and Blackberry. Oak is there but in balance with the ripe fruit with fine persistent tannins. All round a good effort.
Apr 26th, 2019
