2020 Reserve Chardonnay
In Margaret River, considered one of Australia’s premium chardonnay growing regions, Cape Mentelle creates wines of plush texture, depth and power, yet balanced with a fine frame of acidity. This Reserve Chardonnay reflects Chapman Brook and Crossroads, our two southern Margaret River vineyards. Both sites have wonderful expressive personalities that complement each other beautifully and represent a combination of both our past and present. From careful site selection many years ago through to refined and innovative viticulture and winemaking practices today. Bringing them together is a joy, creating one of the finest expressions of our unique terroir.
Halliday Wine Companion 2024
A classy chardy enmeshed in so much flavour it constantly changes in the glass. Starts with lemon ginger herbal tea, quince paste and lemony freshness then moves into savoury territory with cashew butter, miso and creamy lees with smokin’ sulphides. The cedary oak is a mere coating adding plenty of spice, too. The result, a deeply satisfying drink.
Wine Pilot
In recent years, Cape Mentelle has elevated itself from an iconic red producer with impressive whites to one of this country’s leading wineries, red and white. The Chardonnays especially, have gone to new levels. They sit with the nation’s best. 74% from the Chapman vineyard, the remainder from the Crossroads. 100% gingin clone. 100% whole bunch pressed, barrel fermented and matured in French oak, for a period of ten months.
A pale lemon hue, appropriate as the nose offers lovely lemony notes. A crème brulee character with lemon meringue hints. The oak is immaculately integrated. Fragrant, most appealing, the wine is exquisitely balanced. The finish lingers beautifully. A very high quality Chardonnay, representative of CM’s elevated status as a producer of this variety. It also provides yet more compelling evidence of what a brilliant region the Margaret River is for this great white grape. Enjoy over the next six to ten years.
