Cape Mentelle 'Trinders' Cabernet Merlot 2015 (Margaret River)

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 from Cape Mentelle’s Estate, Chapman Brook and Crossroads vineyards alongside standout parcels from selected growers. The majority of these vineyard soils are derived from decomposed granite and consist of a gravelly loam over a deep clay subsoil.

Cape Mentelle Trinders Cabernet Merlot 2015 vintage consists of the following varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 21%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Shiraz 1%, Petit Verdot 1%.

After a sunny and mild September 2014, Margaret River experienced a cool spring all the way to the year end. 2015 brought the driest January on record, on par with 2008 and concluded with some hot days in the mid 30s during the last week. The nights remained cool through summer, favouring delicate floral and red fruit flavours especially.

After the fruit was destemmed and berry sorted. Individual vineyard batches were fermented on skins for up to 45 days and 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 barrel following pressing for malolactic fermentation. Regular racking over a 14-month period ensured the individual wines were at their best prior to blending. The wines were matured in selected oak barrels, of which 5% were new.

Able to be opened and enjoyed fresh on release, this Cabernet Merlot may also be aged a dozen years or more in order to develop a rounder, mellow finish. Winery Notes

Reviews & Accolades

"It’s a bit of a rum game reviewing wine. Often strikes me, as I type away, what a strange business I’ve landed myself in. Anyway, pretty much always enjoy Trinders, and you see it a bit on wine lists by the glass, which is a comfort when you’re surrounded by dross and the beer is not up to scratch. I’ve been there.

Good balance. Regional character. Easy drinking appeal, but not forsaking a nutritious serve of noble Cabernet tannin. I’m thinking red and black fruits, peppermint dark chocolate, a subtle earthiness and bay leaf perfume. Medium-bodied, fresh and more in the red fruit and chocolate thing, enough depth to keep you satisfied, and a scratch of tannin on the finish to keep it trim. Nice wine, all up."
92 Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, October 2017, Drink: 2017 - 2028