Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2020
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James
Suckling
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
A brilliant light hay color with mineral green edges. This wine exudes fresh green lime juice, white nectarine and Granny Smith apple skin, overlaid with crisp cucumber aromas with hints of fresh cut lemongrass, passionfruit and Meyer lemon peel. A subtle sea salt character persists over a seam of mineral wet granite to give a lifted freshness to this complex nose. The bright palate bursts forth with fresh citrus, tropical and floral notes of lime juice, grapefruit, green pawpaw, jasmine and fresh wild flowers. This wine has sinewy energy, displaying a fine line of acidity that carries the freshness and minerality to the end of the lithe palate. Elegant yet textural, there is great tension in the wine, which has a lifted
floral white tea note on its finish.
The winemakers recommend the mineral brightness of this wine to be well suited to grilled crayfish with fresh lime juice, a freshly shucked oyster drizzled in lemon chili oil, or a simple scallop ceviche tossed with birds eye chili and a hint of mirin. Grilled haloumi sprinkled with sea salt, seared salmon tacos seasoned with a fresh mango and papaya salsa, or a simple Greek salad will all accentuate the juicy crispness of this summer white.
Blend: 79% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Semillon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This smells like Margaret River, with grassy and herbal aromas slotted through bright lime and lemony citrus and tropical notes. The palate has very fresh and upbeat fruit that follows the same thread as the aromas. Plenty of juicy flavor here.
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Cape Mentelle Vineyards is a specialist producer of premium wines in Margaret River in the southwest corner of Western Australia. One of the country's finest wine regions, Margaret River enjoys a maritime location, with the added advantage of a long, dry growing season.
Cape Mentelle was one of the first vineyards established in the Margaret River region. First planted in 1970, there are today over 180 hectares under vine and the winery, constructed in 1977, crushes about 1,500 tons of fruit from estate vineyards and contract grown fruit sourced from within the region. Primary plantings are of Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with smaller amounts of Shiraz, Zinfandel, Merlot and Chardonnay.
The winery and original vineyard lie between the town of Margaret River and the Cape from which it takes its name. The original Mentelles were Frenchmen, geographer Edmunde and his cartographer brother Francois-Simon, who lived in Paris in the early 1700s.
Cape Mentelle Vineyards is committed to the concept of true regional styles and will continue to expand its operations to produce quality wines. The company believes that the role of specialist wineries lies in the production of premium wines from varieties best suited to specific regions. Emphasis is placed on individual fruit character and the development of a recognizable estate wine style.
Sometimes light and crisp, other times rich and creamy, Bordeaux White Blends typically consist of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Often, a small amount of Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris is included for added intrigue. Popularized in Bordeaux, the blend is often mimicked throughout the New World. Somm Secret—Sauternes and Barsac are usually reserved for dessert, but they can be served before, during or after a meal. Try these sweet wines as an aperitif with jamón ibérico, oysters with a spicy mignonette or during dinner alongside hearty Alsatian sausage.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.