TN: Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2016 (Margaret River)

[Waiters Friend]

From one of the longest established makers in MR - I was expecting good things from this chardonnay, and it delivered - with a couple of surprises as well. For what it is worth, the wine was out of the fridge for 30 minutes before this note was taken.

Yellow in colour, bordering on gold. Complex and rich nose with lots of ripe yellow peaches, grilled nuts, melons and cedary oak. There's a lot going on here, and you could happily just nose the wine for a while. The palate is similarly rich and full, and very generous with the fruit and the oak trappings. In fact, the oak makes the wine slightly drying, and the acid is softer than I expected, although quite supportive.

A very good wine right now, but (and it surprises me to say this), probably not one for the cellar any further. Definitely not the leaner style that has become prevalent over recent years. Drink now.

Cheers
Allan

[Dragzworthy]

Thanks for the note Allan..I actually have just polished off a half case (6) of the 2018 vintage (I don't have your patience to drink bottle by bottle over the years ) and it's magnificent. The balance between fruit, acid, minerality, Malo and salinity is stunning.

[ticklenow1]

Always an under rated Chardy for mine. at 5/6 years of age they are normally singing.

Cheers
Ian

[Dragzworthy]

Always an under rated Chardy for mine. at 5/6 years of age they are normally singing.

Cheers
Ian

I agree but I'm curious what others think on the 2018. I think it's superb and may not develop much...though admittedly it was better the day after opening