Cape Mentelle Wallcliffe Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2018
- 93
- $49
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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The fruit used here is from the Wallcliffe, Trinders and Crossroads vineyards, planted in 1970, 1988 and 2003 respectively. Fermentation was in closed stainless steel fermenters, followed by 44 days on skins. Maturation was in oak for 16 months. The blend is 66% Petit Verdot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot and just 1% Shiraz. A dark maroon hue. There are appealing aromatics with plums, chocolate, bay leaves, blackfruits, cassis and aniseed with just a hint of herbaceousness. Good focus and a seamless structure, through to firm tannins, there is also excellent length and much to enjoy over the next six to ten 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.
