Nose
Complex and vibrant brambly blueberry, red
currants, all spice, schezuan pepper and a
touch of fruit.
Palate
Plush and rich with juicy bright fruits of
plums, and mulberry complemented by hints
of spice. The full fl avoured palate is richly
textured balanced by a long fi ne and spicy
fi nish.
Growing Conditions
The fruit for this wine was sourced from
Cape Mentelle’s Estate Vineyards from
Margaret River ranging in age from 13-40
years. The soils are predominantly deep,
sandy loams with high lateritic gravel
content over clay. Shoot and leaf removal
techniques were used to ensure a balance
between fruit exposure to light whilst
providing protection from the midday sun.The 2012 vintage was noted by above
average summer temperatures and average
rainfall. What resulted in was a steady
ripening period leading up to a hot January
and an early start to the harvest. Mild
temperatures throughout February and
March ensured that fruit harvested in
perfect condition and completed by early
April prior to heavy late April rains.
Winemaking
Fruit was selectively harvested based on
fl avour and tannin maturity. After the
fruit was destemmed and berry sorted,
individual vineyard batches were fermented
on skins for up to 15 days. At the desired
balance of fruit and tannin extraction,
each batch was gently basket pressed, with
harder pressings kept aside. The individual
parcels were racked to barriques and large
oak vats following pressing for malolactic
fermentation. Regular rackings over a 14
month period ensured the individual wines
were at their best prior to blending. The
wines were matured in selected Burgundian
coopered barriques of which 20% were new,
before bottled in October 2013.
Aging
20+ years
Appearance
Inky with purple hues.
Food Pairing
Aniseed tea smoked duck breast, hoi sin
sauce with wild rice and Asian greens.
