2021 Cape Mentelle Chardonnay

Founded in 1970, Cape Mentelle is among Margaret River's original five wineries, leading the way in developing the region's famous wine styles.

The Chardonnay is cultivated in two southern vineyards, located approximately 15 minutes south of the Margaret River township. These two sites vary significantly in aspect, soil composition, temperature ranges, and rainfall, contributing to a diverse fruit profile. Handpicked fruit is harvested in the cool of the morning and whole bunch pressed to barrel for wild fermentation and matured on lees for ten months.

Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinct glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Attractive white peach and nectarine aromas are trailed by hints of dried honey, biscuity oak and gun flint notes. Medium bodied with a moderately creamy yet fresh feel the palate sports white peach and nectarine fruits over toasty oak, nougat and infusions of gun flint. Vibrant acidity with a long refined, cream tinged finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.2%

Other Reviews….
Spiced apples, pears, pie crust, apricot stones and salted nuts. Creamy and fleshy with salty undertones and tangy acidity. Delicious now. Screw cap.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com

2021 is proving to be an excellent vintage in the Margaret River region, but one needs a long memory to recall when they were not blessed with fine conditions. The fruit is sourced from the Crossroads and Chapman vineyards, mostly the gingin clone. Whole bunch pressed and fermented in barrels, maturation is in French oak (88%) and tank (12%) for ten months, before transferring all the finished wines to tank for a further five months with monthly lees stirring. A gleaming pale gold and such an alluring nose. The complexity is immediately evident with wonderful floral notes, stonefruits and vanillin oak, all finely integrated. Tropical notes emerge more on the palate than with the aroma.
Balanced, finesse and exceptional length are very much the hallmarks of this stunning Chardonnay. Drink over the next eight to ten years with ease. Drink 2023-2033.
96 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com