Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2020
- 95
- $60
- Drink by: 2023-2035
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Again, a blend of fruit sourced from the Crossroads and Chapman vineyards, the grapes are whole bunch pressed before fermentation in barrel. Maturation is in oak for ten months before transfer to tank for a further eight with lees stirring every second month. Green/gold in colour, the nose shows complexity – we have nuts, minerals, oatmeal and stonefruit. There is excellent oak integration underway and a taut structure. Balance and intensity is key, with good bright acidity running the length leading to a finish that persists impressively. The palate offers notes of stonefruit, a touch of honeycomb and apricot kernels. Overall, a richly flavoured Chardonnay that will offer pleasure over the next eight to twelve years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
