The majority of the cabernet sauvignon and merlot for this blend was harvested from the Estate vineyard. Smaller amounts of fruit came from a number of long term growers, mostly located in the Wallcliffe and Karridale sub-regions within the Margaret River appellation. The majority of these vineyard soils are derived from decomposed granite and consist of a gravelly loam over a deep clay subsoil. All vines are vertically shoot positioned and managed to ensure balanced growth during the season. The harvest for red varietals was ideal with finished wines defined by excellent tannin structure and length. The 2009 vintage is sure to be amongst the greatest vintages for red wines in Margaret River. At the desired balance of fruit and tannin extraction, each batch was gently basket pressed, the individual parcels were racked to oak following pressing for malolactic fermentation. The wines were matured in selected Bordeaux coopered barriques of which 25% were new. The final blend was completed in November 2009 and bottled in February 2010.
It beggars belief that this can be had for under $30 never mind $22 (even though a Google search saw a few silly $36.99 RRPs!) it must surely be the best value premium Cabernet going. And premium it screams. It is unmistakably Cabernet on the nose with ripe berries, cigar box, blackcurrant, chocolate and subtle oak nuances. In the mouth it has lashings of cassis and mulberry fruit and shows both a darker spectrum as well as hints of fruit sweetness. The structure is something to behold with persistent and savoury tannins carrying it through on a long finish. The whole package packs a punch but retains its elegance courtesy of a medium to full bodied profile. If I was told this was a flagship Cabernet from one of Margaret River’s establishment, I would not batter an eyelid, and nor should I given the majority of fruit for this is sourced from the same Estate fruit that goes into the $80+ flagship. Yep, it’s that good and for me a rare occasion where I rate it above the experts already high rating. Exceptional. Bargain. Drink: Now-2020+; Quality: Exceptional BW; WineStar© September 2011
Rating: 96 points, $32, Screwcap, 14.0% alc; James Halliday; The Weekend Australian, November 19th, 2011
Phew! This is in sensational form in 2009, showing a class and power that stands out from the pack. The nose delivers dark, ripe cherry, cassis and juniper aromas, leafy sweet herbs, cedary oak, mocha, juniper and dark, stony minerals. The palate's superbly cut, tannins are strong yet immaculately fine, with really layered dark-berry and chocolate flavours. Bright to the very end, it over-delivers in a very big way!Drinking: 2015 Rating: 95 Points; The Good Wine Guide
Rob Mann visited for lunch this week, then drove to Sydney under an ash cloud! His work in the vineyard and winery has elevated Cape Mentelle to the top echelon of Margaret River and, my goodness, does it show in his definitively structured 08 and 09 reds! 94 Points; Tyson Stelzer; Wine Taste Weekly
It’s freezing in my office today and if there’s one thing that doesn’t like it too cold it’s a cabernet-based wine – but I’ve done my best to warm this up and have looked at it over several hours. It didn’t budge much through the day and at all times I’ve liked it. It’s a cedary, tobaccoey cabernet with notes of earth and gravel and pencil. It’s ripe and curranty but not overly so, finely structured, elegant and yet powerful. I kept trying to pick a hole in it but I couldn’t. In the end I screwed the top back on and packed the bottle for dinner. A genuine compliment. The wine is a winner. 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front
You will fall in love with this classic blend. Largely cabernet and merlot but a small amount of cabernet franc and petit verdot completes the wine. Elegant, with a wonderfully expressive palate. Long and angular but with excellent flesh filling it out. Dense and vibrant and so alive on the palate. 94 Points; Ray Jordan
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot with the remaining proportion made up with nearly equal proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2009 Cabernet Merlot (Trinders) was fermented in French oak, 25% new, and aged in oak for 18 months. It casts a deep garnet-purple color and notes of black currant cordial, blackberry preserves and menthol over allspice, Chinese five spice and a whiff of loam. Medium bodied, its expressive fruit fills the mouth, supported by refreshing acid and a medium level of grainy tannins, finishing long and plumy. Drinking now, it should keep to 2016+. eRobertParker.com # 196