The last vintage of Cape Mentelle Cabernet that I bought. After that, I sort of lost interest.
Raisins, nougat, stewed cherries, liqueured plums and a blackness reminiscent of tar. On the palate, red fruits and confection, not terribly varietal, but looking more like a lumpy dry red. Alcohol through the palate and heat on the finish. I think they really lost the plot with this wine. Not special, when, by all rights it should be a very good wine.
Rated : 85 Points
Tasted : Nov08
Alcohol : 15%
Price : $50
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2008-2011
Source : Cellar
Website : Cape Mentelle
Not sure 2000 is representative though Lincoln – not a great vintage for Cape Mentelle Cabernet. The 2001 is trés excellent though.
okay, not tried the 2001, or any more recent vintages. Do you think they are still in the top echelon of Margaret River cabs?
2000 wasn’t the best Cape Mentelle Cab, the ’01 was a great vintage for Margaret River Cabernet all round and the Cape Mentelle was amongst the best. Since then the 2004 is the current wine and an absolute standout. At the recent Cabernet international benchmark tasting at the winery it was right up there.