Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

From the Trinders and Wallcliffe vineyards, with some vines dating back to 1970, making them some of the very oldest in the Margaret River region. Another sumptuous and superb Cabernet. There would be a great many wineries in this country very happy to present this as their prestige Cabernet, rather than the supporting act. It is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot and 1% Shiraz. Maturation was for 18 months in French oak, 80% of which is new. An opaque magenta hue, this is powerful and concentrated and yet at all times refined and balanced. Has the same extra degree of punch and concentration as the 2018 Shiraz, so perhaps an ’18 vintage thing. The nose is rich with notes of chocolate mudcake, black fruits, soy, cloves, leather and tobacco leaves, all focussed with direction and abundant but ever-so-silky tannins plus seriously impressive length. This will provide pleasure for at least ten, and more likely twenty years.