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  • Cape Mentelle 331 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River, WA 6285

    • We acknowledge the Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater People’s Country) as the traditional custodians of the lands where we now grow and produce our stunning wines. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and commit to continued listening to and learning from First Nations’ voices.

2021 Reserve Chardonnay

2021 Reserve Chardonnay
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$150.00
/ Bottle
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“An opera of fine, pure fruit, framed and long lasting - less is more! ”

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.

Appearance
Pale lemon with a brilliant green hue.
Nose
Brightness and purity on the nose, Meyer lemon, white flowers and nectarine. Delicate yet growing in concentration with underlying funky flint and minerality, frangipani and a puff pastry element.
Palate
The lifted and precise palate bursts with flavours of white peach, finger lime, jasmine and lemon meringue with delicate spice. The intensity is marvellous, but with the sense that something is still in reserve. Textural however not heavy, it has a lively acidity and salinity carrying the fruit all way through to a super-long finish.
Blend
100% chardonnay.
Cellaring
15 years.
Food Pairing Notes
Firm white fish with a simple lemon drizzle, dill, salt and pepper. Truffle and porcini ravioli. 24 month aged Comte.
Show Technical Notes and Reviews
The Vineyard
Chardonnay is grown on our two southern vineyards, about 15 minutes south of the Margaret River township. The two sites differ greatly in terms of aspect, soil profile, temperature extremes and rainfall. These conditions result in a variation of fruit profile which highlights the vineyard site, our region and the seasonal conditions each year. During the season our focus is to ensure good canopy growth while allowing air flow and sunlight in. This naturally reduces disease risk and encourages good fruit set in early summer. The majority of our chardonnay blocks are hand harvested in the cooler early morning conditions. Our aim is to produce fruit that showcases a great expression of site, with bright natural acidity, depth of flavour and purity of fruit. Vintage 2021 delivered two seasons in one; a cold and wet spring that evolved into a hot, dry summer. February saw some uncharacteristically cool conditions for the Margaret River region, resulting in a wine that showcases vibrant acidity and fine textural profiles.
Winemaking
Chardonnay is hand-picked with a “one plot, one batch” approach, before being whole bunch pressed. The juice and solids were then transferred to barrel to undergo wild fermentation. The French oak selection was focused on enhancing the fruit personalities of each plot, with 38% of the barriques being new. The wine was left unsulphured for several weeks post-ferment and matured on lees for 10 months, with a stirring regime monitored by tasting to build texture and refine structure. Individual barrels were selected from the best batches to produce a blend representing the finest expression of the season, in a way that allows each individual block to shine.
Analysis
13.1% alcohol 7.16 g/l total acidity 3.13 pH Suitable for vegans

The Real Review

Huon Hooke
96

Light yellow hue; smokey reductive notes overlying refined fruit, a hint of rubber resulting. Biscuity oak, turning spicy as it aired. Rich and satisfying in the mouth, full bodied, with deep and layered flavours, the finish clean and drying with a slight grip in good harmony, and an extra-long finish. Impressive wine.

2023 - 2033

2024 WA Wine Review

Ray Jordan
96

Marks a significant step up for Cape Mentelle with this super new release chardonnay. The aromatic intensity is stunning with a lemon curd, brioche richness cut with a mealy grapefruit and lemon zest edge. The palate has a dry savoury edge which backs into the deep fruit richness. Slight struck match complements the palate brilliantly. A new era for Cape Mentelle. Cellar 15 years.

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