1995 Cape Mentelle Shiraz

The first sniff of this wine tells you that it's not an "Australian Shiraz". The inspiration and execution of style are clearly inspired by the great wines of the Rhone and in particular have a lot in common with Cote Rotie - although the Cote Rotie appellation does allow for the addition of the white grape variety Voignier. The Cape Mentelle Shiraz has a distinct earthy / truffle character which can in part be attributed to the partial whole berry maturation. Opaque deep crimson colour. Earthy spice and blackberry nose with some cedar in the background. The palate is drier than a Barossa Valley or central Victorian Shiraz, with the over riding flavour again being the earthy truffles and supported in the background by blackberry and liquorice. Excellent depth and concentration of flavour. Very fine grained tannins with long truffle, cedar and liquorice aftertaste. Cellar 5 - 8 years.