Winery & Vintage Info
Cape Mentelle has developed an international reputation for outstanding bordelaise varietals and blended wines which are perfectly suited to the climate and soils of Margaret River. This wine captures the depth and structure of cabernet with the dark fruit and plush flavours of merlot which, when blended with small amounts of cabernet franc and petit verdot, create a well- rounded, full and rich style.
A blend of varietals and vineyards withthe majority of fruit produced on Cape Mentelle managed properties including the Estate, Kyella, Chapman Brook and Crossroads vineyards along with selected growers, the majority of these vineyard soils are derived from decomposed granite and consist of a gravelly loam over a deep clay subsoil. All vines are cane pruned and vertically shoot positioned and managed to ensure balanced growth during the season.
The lead up to harvest experienced a wild, cool and windy November which interrupted owering and fruit set and ultimately resulted in the lowest yields for a decade. The summer leading into the 2013 vintage recorded temperatures well above average with perfect ripening conditions with white fruit harvested quickly and early in February ting from a cool and mild March allowing extended ripening and full tannin maturity. Another great vintage for Margaret River.
After the fruit was destemmed and berry sorted, individual vineyard batches were fermented on skins for up to 30 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 oak 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 Bordeaux coopered barriques of which 20% were new.
Cape Mentelle Trinders Cabernet Merlot 2013 consists of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon. 32% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Cellaring potential of 30 Years. Winery Notes
Reviews & Accolades
“It will age well because it’s so well balanced. It’s not about key features; it’s about proportion. It presents an array of fresh berried flavours with bay leaf and clove complexity completing the picture. Appropriate levels of firm tannin and acidity mark this as a wine with a sound, steady future.”
93 Points - James Halliday Wine Companion
“The first time I ever bought Trinders was off the back of a Ralph Kyte-Powell review. Would have been the late 1990s, by memory. Remarkable how you can (usually) remember the review(er) that landed the wine in your cellar.
This is a good, fresh, well-balanced red without being anything spectacular. It’s one of those wines that will end up ageing well on the back of its just-right sense of proportion. It tastes of mulberry, bay leaves, blackcurrant and cloves. It’s straight-forward, medium-weight, carries a firm-ish swagger of tannin and a tickle of acid. Fresh fruit makes it good to drink now but it will be better again once it’s mellowed out some.”
92+ Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, August 2014, Drink: 2017 - 2025
