Cape Mentelle produces cabernet sauvignon of exceptional quality and consistency. Stylistically it resonates of the red wines from Bordeaux, displaying classic varietal character and opulence, with structure to improve with age. Th e consistency of Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon is exemplifi ed by its current Langton’s “excellent” classifi cation.

Rich garnet. Warm ripe fruit characters of dark plum and redcurrants are complemented by hints of sweet tobacco, chocolate and bay leaf. A full bodied wine displaying rich fl avours of bright redcurrants, mulberries and dark cherries. The warm ripe tannins provide excellent structure balanced by cedary oak influences and a minerally clean finish. Food pairing Roasted rack of aged venison with wild mushroom ragout and steamed asian greens. Cellaring 10 to 15 years.

The fruit sourced for this wine comes from the Estate’s Wallcliffe Vineyard, planted between 1970 and 1972 and located 8km from the ocean with a south-west aspect. The vines grow on ancient lateritic soils, being sandy gravel over a clay base. Cane pruning, judicious shoot thinning and springtime composting promote vine balance and lead to physiologically ripe grapes well suited for wines of distinct character and longevity. The season 2003 was unseasonal, having a cool wet and windy spring leading into summer. The latter half of summer was dry and mild which, when combined with low yields led to an early harvest of excellent quality. Blend 88% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot.