Cape Mentelle Shiraz 2020
- 94
- $55
- Drink by: 2023-2033
Share
There are times when one feels that the proverbial red-haired stepchild gets more attention than Margaret River Shiraz, when compared to its more illustrious sibling, Cabernet Sauvignon. It isn’t fair, but as a former PM said, life is not meant to be fair. To be able to offer an array of wines like the CM collection of Shiraz would thrill most wineries. Here, they play a supporting role at best. From vines planted 16 to 32 years ago, the wine has 6% Grenache and intriguingly, includes a dollop – 3% – from the 2021 vintage. Maturation is in oak for fifteen months, 22% new. A deep garnet hue, the nose is immediately alluring, with plums, dry herbs, coffee grinds, spices, florals, beef stock and cassis. A supple texture, well-structured with finesse and tension, there is fine acidity and excellent length. Enjoy over the better part of the next decade.
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.
