2003 Cape Mentelle Shiraz

Very deep brick red colour with crimson brick red hue. Top note of leather and cedar followed by an earthy end note. The palate is showing some bottle age – hints of confectionary, cedar, spice and old leather, with spice and stewed fruit on the back palate. Fine slightly chalky tannins. Aftertaste of spice, stewed fruit and leather.
Cellar 2-3 years (2010-2011)
Alc/Vol: 14%

First Tasted: August 2005
DAVID HOHNEN and his brother Mark established Cape Mentelle in 1970 and quickly established a formidable reputation by winning both the 1982 & 1983 Jimmy Watson Trophy. This wine is inspired by the Shiraz wines of the Northern Rhone Valley in France. Vinification includes partial whole berry fermentation in large oak casks and American oak barriques. Outstanding colour – opaque black purple colour with deep purple hue. Aroma of spice, blackberry, liquorice and vanilla. The palate has good weight, with generous flavours of vanilla, plum, blackberry, spice and liquorice, showing good primary fruit character. Fine grained tannins. Excellent balance. Long aftertaste of vanilla and liquorice.
Cellar 3-4 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
Rating: 94