Cape Mentelle, Cabernet Merlot, Margaret River

Garnet with tawny hints in colour, medium intensity. Developed-mature, medium(+) intensity nose. Dark berries, black currant, plums, integrated oak, spice and a very light green note. On the palate a slight touch of sweetness, medium(+) acidity, medium(+) crushed tannins, medium(+) body, 13,5%. Soft, a bit thick texture. Ripe dark berries dominate the flavours. Very good length with slone lemonade. Reminding of bordeaux, but with "thicker" texture and the sweet, ripe berry touch. (screwcap)

Dark garnet hue. Slight lightening at the rim. Some brett aroma but subtle. Blackberry, cassis, tobacco. cedar, juniper, greenery on the nose as well. Medium to low acid, red fruit and low resolved tannins. Medium finish. Very pleasant, well balanced but unremarkable.

Quite attractive bordeaux blend, fresh cassis, don't think this will improve - drink over next couple of years

Monthly Tasting Group HWS #123; Australia, Margaret River (By SB) : In the bouquet cherries, ripe blackberries and vanilla. On the palate red berries like blackberries and raspberries as well as cherries. Ok acidity and round and soft tannin. All still quite primary. 88+

WA bdx blend at about £12 a bottle. Dry, promised a fair amount on the nose with fresh fruit but also tones of cedar, oak and a little earth. Failed to really fully open up in the glass, even over several hours. Fresh and very pleasant, but no real wow factor. You wouldn't confuse with a young bdx (the tannins are finer) but although quite "classic" (inasmuch as it isn't all fruit) it doesn't excite in the way a good …

Dusty Cabernet aromas, toasted oak, spice, earth, wet iron. Fresh fruit on the palate, red fruits, crisp acidity, good balance. Fine finish with very good lift. Fresh and attractive. Finely tuned aromatics, excellent balance. Drinks like a classic black dress--- no spikes, pure elegance and discreetly confident and relaxed.

Ich liebe diesen Wein. Die Mischung aus Komplexität und Frucht ist wirklich gut. Aromen von dunklen Beeren mit angenehmen Tanninen. Ein schöner Wein.

Full, nuanced and quite elegant nose. Black currant fruit intermingled with just the right amount of cedar and oak spice. Perfumed impression. Balanced oak. Good depth. Fullish, well-structured with lovely tannins. Cool and with a certain grip. Balanced cedar and black currant. Cool and harmonius. Very good performance. I have a soft spot for Cape Mentelle when they show this Old World style. I don't think it would be confused with a Bdx, but the style is there. I think …

light medium body, not complex enough with sharp edges. Went down pretty fast so couldn't really find any secondary taste. Finished with some spices which was not normal for Cab-Merlot.

Mild french oak and vanilla smell on nose. Extremely fruity, lively, fresh redberry, blueberry taste with a little chocolate texture in mouth. Notable blackberry and blackcurrant aftertaste. The body is full but the tannin is still young and raw, otherwise I would rate higher. Best to drink 2 years later to soften the structure a bit.