2005 Cape Mentelle Chardonnay Margaret River

On the extreme southwestern edge of Australia, the Margaret River region benefits from the cooling influence of the ocean as well as a lengthy growing system. Cape Mentelle takes fine advantage of these conditions, with a Shiraz that's in a distinctly northern Rhône style, with notes of juicy dark berries, game, pepper, flowers and spices. Margaret River is even better known for its whites, and Cape Mentelle makes both a focused but rich Chardonnay and a firm-edged, brisk blend of pungent, minerally, pepper-and-citrus Sauvignon and figgy Semillon that showcases the incisive style of the region.

On the extreme southwestern edge of Australia, the Margaret River region benefits from the cooling influence of the ocean as well as a lengthy growing system. Cape Mentelle takes fine advantage of these conditions, with a Shiraz that's in a distinctly northern Rhône style, with no... more