Cape Mentelle
Cape Mentelle Vineyards, established by David and Mark Hohnen and now part of the Moët Hennessy Wine Estates, is a specialist producer of premium wines in Margaret River in the south west corner of Western Australia. One of the country's finest wine regions, Margaret River enjoys a maritime location, with the added advantage of a long dry growing season.
"+ "Cape Mentelle was one of the first vineyards established in the Margaret River region. First planted in 1970, there are today over 180 hectares under vine and the winery, constructed in 1977, crushes about 1,500 tonnes of fruit from estate vineyards and contract grown fruit sourced from within the region. Primary plantings are of Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with smaller amounts of Shiraz, Zinfandel, Merlot and Chardonnay.
"+ "The winery and original vineyard lie between the town of Margaret River and the Cape from which it takes its name. The original Mentelles were Frenchmen, geographer Edmunde and his cartographer brother Francois-Simon, who lived in Paris in the early 1700's.
"+ "Cape Mentelle Vineyard is committed to the concept of true regional styles and will continue to expand its operations to produce quality wines. The company believes that the role of specialist wineries lies in the production of premium wines from varieties best suited to specific regions. Emphasis is placed on individual fruit character and the development of a recognizable estate wine style.
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" Senior Winemaker, Robert Mann
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" Robert Mann joined Cape Mentelle as Senior Winemaker in December 2005. Born into an appreciation of wine, Robert is the grandson of Jack Mann MBE – a legendary innovator and character of the Australian wine industry. He shares his love of the game of cricket, foraging for wild mushrooms and believes that “Cabernet Sauvignon is the only variety that would be tolerated in heaven”. "+ "He gained early experience in the wine industry working in the vineyards and as a cellar hand in the Swan Valley, Barossa Valley and Margaret River. Robert completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, majoring in Oenology at the University of Adelaide and he crafted wines at various wineries around Australia, Italy and California. "+ "Robert heads up the winemaking team and is responsible for the ongoing development of the Cape Mentelle wine portfolio, ensuring it continues to be at the leading edge of quality and style. "+ " | |
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" He works very closely with the Cape Mentelle Viticulturist, Jim White and Winemaker Simon Burnell, to ensure the continued excellence of Cape Mentelle wines. "+ " | ||
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"1. Chardonnay 2007 "+ //wine tasting notes " Pale straw in appearance. On the nose, it reveals aromas of white peach, nashi pear and quince greet the nose with fresh brioche and toasted hazelnuts providing delicate complexity. "+ "While on the palate, there’s grapefruit, lime and pear provides the crest of a well textured and long creamy palate. Underlying savoury hazelnuts gives the palate poise and complexity. "+ "Balanced natural acidity creates a finely structured wine with a long, minerally finish. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"2. Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008 "+ //wine tasting notes " Pale straw with hints of green in appearance. On the nose, it reveals aromas of zesty lime and pawpaw fruits, fresh snow peas and fragrant citrus blossom overlay with hints of blackcurrant. "+ "While on the palate, there’s lively lemon and lime zest, with crunchy sugar snap pea and wheat grass aftertaste. "+ "Generous texture and fruit weight is well balanced by long and even citrus acidity. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"3. Shiraz 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " Dark mulberry red with purple hues in appearance. On the nose, it reveals aromas of abundant blueberry, dark chocolate, star anise and morello cherries. "+ "While on the palate, there’s a focused blend of inky black fruits and black pepper, overlaid with subtle savory oak aftertaste. "+ "It is classically spicy with a long and tightly wound palate rewarding with great intensity. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"4. Cabernet Merlot 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " Deep, dark plum in appearance. On the nose, it reveals aromas of fresh blackcurrant and red cherry, star anise, lavender and subtle aged tobacco. "+ "While on the palate, there’s juicy, ripe plums, blueberries and currants mixed with subtle, cedary oak and fine, elegant tannins leading to a long, bright and well structured palate. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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Castello D'Albola
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The structure of Castello D’albola vineyard’s soil is compact, fine-grained limestone and clay. Together with the excellent microclimate of the Albola plain, altitude of between 250 and 500 meters above sea level, the vineyards are perfectly suited to the production of high quality wines.
"+ "The training method is the classic Tuscan Double Capovolto system which has been converted in recent years to Espalier with a density of 5000 plants per hectare. The average age of the vines is around 20 years. Since 1999, 10 hectares a year of vineyards have been replanted each year.
"+ "This estate produces 900,000 bottles a year, divided into seven types of wine. Vinification takes place in the new winery, built by the Zonin family: it is a real gem of architecture and avant garde technology, which is perfectly integrated in its environment. Those wines that undergo wood aging do so under ideal conditions in the historic cellar of the estate.
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"1. Chianti Classico 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " Classic ruby-red in color, brilliant and enticingly full. On the noise, it reveals satisfyingly intense, fine and elegant, balanced and velvety, with light scents of violets.
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"Promo Price: $35.00 Usual Price: $39.00 | "+
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"2. Chianti Classico Riserva 2004 "+ //wine tasting notes " The color is brilliant and full garnet red that with age becomes brick red. On the bouquet, it reveals intense, fine, elegant and velvety with delicate scents of violets, irises and licorice.
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"3. Le Ellere Chianti Classico 2004 "+ //wine tasting notes " The color is brilliant and full ruby red tending to garnet, featuring a superb intensity. On the bouquet, it reveals intense, refined, elegant and velvety with delicate scents of violets, irises and red fruit.
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"Promo Price: $38.50 Usual Price: $41.50 | "+
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"4. Acciaiolo 2004 "+ //wine tasting notes " Ruby red with luminous garnet reflections in color. On the bouquet, it has full and pleasantly complex with scents of violets, cherries and wild berries harmoniously exalted by a light vanilla background.
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"Promo Price: $106.50 Usual Price: $118.00 | "+
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Louis Latour
The family-run company of Maison Louis Latour is one of the most highly-respected négociant-éléveurs (trader-stockbreeders) in Burgundy. Renowned throughout the world for the quality of its red and white wines, the company has built a reputation for tradition and innovation.
"+ "Regarded as one of the traditional négociant-éléveurs, Maison Louis Latour is the producer of some of the finest Burgundian wines but has also pioneered the production of fine wines from outside of the confines of Burgundy.
"+ "These wines from the Ardèche and the Côteaux de Verdon are slowly gaining esteem for their unmatchable quality outside of Burgundy. These wines from the Ardèche and the Côteaux de Verdon are slowly gaining esteem for their unmatchable quality outside of Burgundy.
"+ "The Latour family themselves have been viticulteurs since the 17th century, slowly building up a unique Domaine of 50 hectares (125 acres). This Domaine has the largest Grand Cru property in the Cote d'Or with a total of 28,63 hectares (71,58 acres) . The vineyards extend from Chambertin in the north to Chevalier-Montrachet in the south and are solely planted with the two noble grape varieties; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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"1. Macon-Lugny Les Genievres 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " This wine unveils a beautiful light golden color with green reflections. On the palate, it is round and presents licorice notes and muscat like aromas. Perfect to drink now. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $27.00 Usual Price: $32.00 | "+
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"2. Chablis 2007 "+ //wine tasting notes " The wine is lively and mineral. The whole is well-balanced. A pure expression of Chardonnay from Chablis. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $36.00 Usual Price: $42.00 | "+
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"3. Meursault 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " The pale greenish gold color is clear and bright. On the nose, delicate scents of acacia flowers and honey are released. On the palate, this wine is full and fresh. The floral and mineral notes are enhanced by green almond flavors. A powerful and fat wine with very beautiful length. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $67.00 Usual Price: $77.50 | "+
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"4. Gevrey-Chambertin 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " This dark, brooding Pinot overwhelms the nose with cassis and fresh raspberry. The palate has a refined texture, ripe and supple tannins, good depth, fleshy ripe fruit and just a touch of spice. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $76.50 Usual Price: $88.00 | "+
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"5. Pommard 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " A racy, typical Pommard loyal to its terroir, this wine seduces us with its vegetable aromas reminiscent of elderberry and walnut tree leaves. Light menthol comes to the forth with this very full, potent, ample yet refreshing wine. A tannic wine with balanced acidity. A two to three year old wait will allow for perfect evolution. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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"Promo Price: $80.00 Usual Price: $91.00 | "+
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"6. Domaine Latour Aloxe-Corton 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " This very appealing nose will charm you with delicate notes of ripe red summer fruit. The mouth expresses nice aromas of cherry stones. Its tannins are smooth. This wine is well-balanced and already pleasant. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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Neethlingshof
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Neethlingshof lies in the very heart of the Cape's winelands. Flanked by the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaiberg Mountain near Stellenbosch and overlooking False Bay, this beautiful, historic farm offers not only breathtaking scenery, but also a taste of traditional Cape culture blended with the best influences of Africa and Europe.
"+ "For more than a century the Estate has been synonymous with the best wine-making traditions of the Cape. Its success over the years, which is nothing short of spectacular, can be ascribed to a variety of high potential soils derived from decomposed granite, gentle slopes and valleys offering a choice of aspects, the cooling effect of the nearby Atlantic Ocean on the vineyards during the ripening season, and an altitude which varies between 85 and 250 metres.
"+ " The variety of cultivars grown on Neethlingshof (55% red and 45% white) gives the winemaker, an enviable opportunity to craft fine varietal wines and exciting blends which are winners of numerous awards.
Meerlust
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Long recognized for producing world-class wines, Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, the traditional dedication to the art of winemaking continues under the guidance of Hannes Myburgh, eighth generation custodian of this seventeenth-century national monument.
"+ "Meerlust, with its historic manor house, classic wine cellar, family cemetery, dovecote and bird sanctuary is situated fifteen kilometers south of Stellenbosch, with the blue crescent of False Bay a mere five kilometers away. The Estate is uniquely positioned for the production of wines with exceptional complexity and character. In the summertime, ocean breezes and evening mists roll in from the coast to cool the vineyards.
"+ "The grapes ripen slowly, thus achieving full, concentrated varietal flavours. The soil consists of predominantly deep, well drained Hutton and Clovelly soil types, affording the vines excellent drought resistance and an ideal substrata for producing concentrated, complex wines.
"+ "One hundred and ten hectares are planted with varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
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" Neethlingshof’s Winemaker, De Wet Viljoen
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" Having grown up on a wine farm near Worcestor, Viljoen learnt a lot about wine growing and making, simply by osmosis. He studied at Stellenbosch University and notched up a B.Sc. in Microbiology followed by reconciling his roots and studying in Oenology and Viticulture. "+ "He has spent the last two and a half years as winemaker/viticulturist at Wamakersvallei Winery in Wellington. In his time, several wines are notched up to an impressive list of medals both locally and abroad, including 3 double gold Veritas medals during his last vintage there. "+ "Their Cabernet Sauvignon won the trophy for the best Cabernet Sauvignon at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London last year, while the Pinotage made it into last year’s ABSA Top Ten. Interesting that the Lord Neethling Pinotage won the same trophy, though for Pinotage, at the IWSC and was also listed in the ABSA Top Ten. "+ " |
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" Meerlust Cellar Master, Chris Williams
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" Chris was appointed as Cellar Master at Meerlust in 2004 but has worked as an Assistant Winemaker for the farm since 1995. He studied Oenology at Elsenberg and gained international experience in France while working for Michel Rolland. His interest was aroused in the classical French wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. "+ "Chris is energized by the challenge of developing the vines at Meerlust to their next stage of maturity, while isolating and identifying specific vineyards of excellence and vinifying the grapes to their highest expression. "+ " |
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"1. Neethlingshof Gewurztraminer 2008 "+ //wine tasting notes " Bright straw color with green hues. On the bouquet, it reveals aromas of Turkish delight, litchis and rose petals with an oriental touch of jasmine and honeysuckle. While the palate is friendly yet spicy and litchi coming through and ending with a zesty finish. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $26.00 Usual Price: $29.00 | "+
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"2. Neethlingshof Pinotage 2003 "+ //wine tasting notes " Ruby red with purple edges. On the bouquet, it reveals fruity with ample aromas of ripe banana, cinnamon, notes of plum and prunes. While on the palate it has medium-bodied teeming with berry flavors and has a good tannic backbone. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $30.50 Usual Price: $34.00 | "+
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"3. Neethlingshof Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006 "+ //wine tasting notes " Dark ruby in color. On the bouquet, it reveals ample ripe berries with blackcurrant and plum aromas. While on the palate it has a full-bodied with ripe fruit flavors supported by soft tannins. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $28.00 Usual Price: $31.00 | "+
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"4. Meerlust Merlot 2005 "+ //wine tasting notes " Deep, youthful purple color with a ruby rin. A typical Merlot nose with juicy plum and mulberry fruit, lifted spiciness and hints of dark chocolate and inkiness. "+ "The palate offers generous, ripe, pure Merlot fruit with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins and pronounced length and minerality. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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" Promo Price: $48.00 Usual Price: $52.00 | "+
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"5. Meerlust Rubicon 2004 "+ //wine tasting notes " Intense, opaque deep ruby color, very slight gradation to the rim. Bright and vivacious in the glass, very youthful. "+ "The nose reveals deep, dark fruit, cassis, plum and black cherry. There is a pronounced minerality on the nose with graphite, cedar smoke and cigar box bouquet. "+ "The palate is beautifully structured, fuller bodied than some earlier vintages of Rubicon due to the intensity of the fruit and intricate tannin structure. "+ //wine grape varietals & image "
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