The vineyards supplying the fruit for this stunning Margaret River Chardonnay are the Crossroads and Chapman Brook vineyards, located in the south of the region. This really is a bit special and sits comfortably with the top offerings from here. Or indeed, anywhere in Australia. 100% Gin Gin clone, after a wild ferment, the final wine was a barrel selection following ten months maturation in French oak, 43% of which was new. A lemon straw hue, there is serious intensity here with notes of lemon curd, oyster shell, peaches, tropical characters, florals, some flint and a minerally backing. The oak is so well integrated that it is merely one more aspect of this brilliant Chardy and part of a seamless overall impression. There is a juicy palate, where the flavours simply explode into life, while complex, concentrated, offering serious length and endless flavours. Love it. A wine which will provide enormous pleasure for the next ten to twelve years.

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Heritage is a reference to some of Cape Mentelle’s best Chardonnay blocks planted in the southern and cooler reaches of Margaret River. The 2023 Heritage is a long, linear, expression of the region’s number one white grape variety, a wine that is still very much in its infancy and one that will grow and mature beautifully with further ageing. Striking acidity underlines the wine, making it a keeper. White flowers gather on the aroma with sherbet-like citrus, apple and white nectarine. There’s a struck-flint complexity here, some preserved lemon savoury notes, hazelnut and dusty woody spices and oak still yet to fully integrate. Give it time and the rewards will be plentiful.

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Marks a significant step up for Cape Mentelle with this super new release chardonnay. The aromatic intensity is stunning with a lemon curd, brioche richness cut with a mealy grapefruit and lemon zest edge. The palate has a dry savoury edge which backs into the deep fruit richness. Slight struck match complements the palate brilliantly. A new era for Cape Mentelle.

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