1999 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Producer NotesCape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon is the culmination of an intensely detailed approach to our vineyards and grape selection. From our vigour and soil mapping techniques to the identification of select parcels and hand-harvesting bunch by bunch, we ensure gentle handling through every stage of production.Vineyard NotesCape Mentelles Estate Vineyard was first planted in 1970 with additional plantings in 1988 on a ridge of free draining lateritic gravel with an east west row orientation to minimise the affects of strong westerly sea breezes. For nearly 40 years the best parcels of cabernet have been carefully managed to produce grapes with full concentrated flavour and with a firm yet fine tannin profile.
WinemakingThe hand picked fruit underwent destemming and berry sorting followed by light crushing. 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.
AgeingThe individual parcels were racked to oak following pressing for malolactic fermentation. Regular rackings over an 18 month period ensured the individual wines were at their best prior to blending. The wines were matured in selected Bordeaux coopered barriques of which 50% were new with the balance being one year old.