The Vineyard
The 2020 vintage in Margaret River was a real treat for viticulturists. Beginning in January, harvest was one of the earliest on record due to the lower yields and warm, dry weather. Low disease pressure, timely flowering of native marri trees to keep the birds at bay and little to no rain meant that growers could literally ‘take their pick’ as required. Rainfall resumed in March but overall, a warmer than usual summer with plenty of heat accumulation across the season. Our aim with cabernet sauvignon is to deliver grapes that are a true and vibrant expression of the vineyard site, with excellent tannin structure and ripeness. A range of precision viticulture techniques are included in our annual plans for each block, with the focus on canopy manipulation, ensuring air flow and sunlight penetration into the fruit zone. These mature vines from our Estate Vineyard provide consistently high-quality fruit year after year.
Winemaking
Our Wallcliffe heritage vineyards were handpicked in the early hours of the morning. After destemming and hand sorting, the berries were lightly crushed to closed top fermenters and individually fermented with select yeasts. Daily tasting allowed for adjustments to extraction and maceration, to reach the perfect balance of structure and concentration. Maceration periods reached up to 27 days and at the desired balance of fruit perfume and tannin complexity, each batch was basket pressed, with the pressings kept separate. A few of our finest parcels were assembled early to form the major portion of the blend, allowing the wine and pressings to integrate harmoniously through ageing. The wine was barrel matured for 18 months with limited racking, 45% new French oak was used to complement the fruit. The final blend remained unfined and was filtered before being Estate bottled in December 2021.
Analysis
13.8% alcohol
5.82 g/l total acidity
3.62 pH
Suitable for vegans
Halliday Wine Companion 2024
Lots of positive changes are afoot at Cape Mentelle, and I've a feeling it’s regaining its crown in the region. Nothing broken, just fine-tuning. A glass of this and all’s well. Fragrant with mulberries, cassis, nori and baking spices, the medium-bodied palate is superfine and long with textural tannins adding to the pleasure.
2024 WA Wine Review
Highly fragrant and scented cabernet from this excellent cabernet vintage. Aromas of violet and blackcurrant and red berry nuances with a lift of bay leaf and graphite. The palate is seamlessly woven with a fine chalky tannin control. It’s an elegantly crafted wine of good intensity and depth delivering its payload with poise and refinement. Cellar 10 years.
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