Cape Mentelle HH (Icon) Chardonnay 2021
- 96
- $150
- Drink by: 2023-2035
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The Chapman vineyard, which provides 62% of the fruit for this wine, was planted in the early 90s. The Crossroads vineyard provides the remainder, planted in 2004. 100% gingin clone for all with 100% barrel maturation in French oak for ten months, 38% of the oak is new. Yet another thrilling Chardonnay from CM. A shimmering yellow, this is taut, tight and refined with laser-like focus. Along with notes of river stones and minerals, we have pleasing rich and ripe stonefruit notes and hints of citrus plus a touch of grapefruit. The structure is excellent, quite powerful with exceptional length and a firm finish. Serious concentration from start to finish along with a line of fine acidity. This is still very youthful so can be enjoyed over the next eight to twelve years. A cracker and the score should rise even further over the coming 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.
