2014 Trinders Cabernet Merlot
The Cabernet Merlot blend takes inspiration from the classic red wines of Bordeaux. Cape Mentelle has developed an international reputation for outstanding Bordeaux varietal and blended wines which are perfectly suited to the climate and soils of Margaret River. This blend seeks to capture the depth and structure of cabernet with the dark fruit and plush flavours of merlot, which when blended create a well- rounded, full and rich style.
Nose
Forward bright choc mint with blue fruits and floral violet notes, elegant layers of black compote, leather and bayleaf.
Palate
On entry the black and blue fruits are upfront with sweet mint and pretty rose petal. An elegant wine with fine graphite tannin, medium intensity and length.
Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon 64%, Merlot 29%, Petit Verdot 5%, 2% Cabernet Franc
Cellaring
Drink until 2025
Food Pairing Notes
Maple syrup glazed ham; Moroccan spit-roasted lamb; salted caramel mud cake.
The Vineyard
A blend of varietals and vineyards with the majority of fruit produced on Cape Mentelle managed properties including the Estate, Chapman Brook and Crossroads vineyards along with selected growers. The majority of these vineyard soils are derived from decomposed granite and consist of a gravelly loam over a deep clay subsoil. All the cabernets are cane pruned and vertically shoot positioned and managed to ensure balanced growth during the season.
Winemaking
After the fruit was destemmed and berry sorted, individual vineyard batches were fermented on skins for up to 30 days. At extraction, each batch was gently basket pressed, with harder pressings kept aside. The individual parcels were racked to oak following pressing for malolactic fermentation. Regular rackings over a 14 month period ensured the individual wines were at their best prior to blending. The wines were matured in selected Bordeaux coopered barriques of which 13% were new.
Analysis
14% alcohol, 5.5 g/l total acidity, 3.61pH