Cape Mentelle Wallcliffe Red 2020
- 93
- $49
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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The vines in the vineyards providing the fruit for this Cab Franc dominant wine were planted between 1976 and 1988. Cab Franc represents 91% of the blend, with the remainder being 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. 18 months maturation in oak with 40% new French oak. The colour here is an appealing vibrant purple. The nose offers red cherries, raspberries, plums, and florals, with the merest whiff of leafiness. The palate is balanced and offers some plushness, with an intriguing softness. There is a fine minerality playing a supporting role plus some chocolate on the palate. Fine tannins, good concentration and a promising future, enjoy this over the next eight 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.
