95 Points - Erin Larkin
As a pioneer of Western Australia's Margaret River wine region, Cape Mentelle consistently produce one of Australia's leading Chardonnays. The 2018 Cape Mentelle Chardonnay is another stunning rendition; delivering a powerful, intensely flavoured and perfectly balanced Margaret River Chardonnay.
"95 Points. A mix of 4 clones; Gin Gin, 76, 95 and 5. Hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, wild ferment in barrel. A very sophisticated nose, textural, worked and complex. The fruit has a rich, ripe viscosity to it and a fierce salty edge. Red apple skins and tea leaves, salted kelp, slippery ripe yellow peach and a fair whack of curry leaf, brine and preserved lemon. This is happening. A subtle shift in style here, more multifaceted and shimmering, always moving, like dappled sunlight. The best chardonnay under this label to date. $55. 14.5% alc. Drink by: 2031. Screw cap" - Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion 2021.
"94 Points. It’s a bold style with plenty of tropical fruit, toast and spice, but does have a core of firm grapefruity acidity, savoury grilled nut flavour, a fine powdery texture, and fresh pineapple and cream on a long juicy tangy finish, slight warmth as it goes. Pretty good now, I’d have to say. Tasted: Apr20 14.5% alc. $55. Screwcap. Drink: 2020 - 2026"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
