Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Review: Structured, Food-Led, and Best with Cheese
We opened the Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 over lunch, expecting a classic Margaret River expression built on structure and balance. What emerged is a wine that feels controlled and considered, revealing its strengths most clearly when paired with food.
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Vintage: |
2021 |
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Region: |
Margaret River, Western Australia |
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Varietal: |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
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ABV: |
13.9% |
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RRP: |
~$54AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby core with solid saturation. It is clear, with no visible sediment. A subtle garnet shift appears at the rim in certain light, suggesting early development. The legs fall at a moderate to slow pace. Overall, it presents as youthful.
Aroma / Nose
On first approach, the nose is restrained, offering only light dark berry notes without swirling. With time and movement, the profile becomes more defined, leaning toward raspberry and mulberry instead of dense blackcurrant. A herbal edge sits alongside the berries, adding a lifted, slightly savoury note. There is also a light touch of leathery wood, reinforcing the wine’s structured style.
Palate / Taste
The palate opens with a berry-driven profile that initially leans slightly tart. Tannins arrive early, gripping across the cheeks, gums, and front of the tongue. They are firm but not harsh, giving the wine shape without becoming abrasive. The texture feels fine and controlled.
As it settles, the sharper berry note softens and shifts toward plum. Oak becomes more noticeable through the mid-palate, adding weight and reinforcing the structure. Alcohol is well integrated, with no heat on the swallow. The fruit profile remains secondary, framed by tannin and oak.
Finish
The finish leans dry; tannin and oak carry through while the fruit recedes quickly. Little returns on the exhale, leaving a structural impression more than a lingering flavour.
Food Pairing
We tasted this across a range of dishes to see how it responds to different textures and flavours.
With pan-seared duck breast, the tannins softened and the fruit lifted slightly, though the wine remained controlled. Portobello mushrooms pushed it further toward oak and savoury notes, with berry character becoming less noticeable. Roasted carrots introduced a subtle lift at the front of the palate, while the finish stayed structured with gentle acidity.
Chargrilled broccolini brought the oak forward more aggressively, adding a charred edge to the finish. In contrast, aged cheddar proved the most effective pairing. Here, the fruit rounded out and spread more evenly across the palate. It did not become more expressive, but it became more complete.
This is where the wine makes the most sense. It feels more at home alongside a cheese or charcuterie spread than a plated main.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Yes, if you’re pairing it with the right food.
The Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is structured, balanced, and easy to enjoy, particularly at the table. On its own, it shows restraint, with fruit sitting behind tannin and oak. Nothing feels out of place, but it does not fully open or command attention.
With aged cheddar, the wine becomes more complete. The fruit rounds out and integrates more evenly, giving a more satisfying impression.
We enjoyed it, especially with cheese, and would revisit it in that setting. On its own, it feels safe and technically sound, but not especially memorable.
Finds its way with cheese.
Editor’s Note
The producer positions this as a vibrant, immediately drinkable Cabernet. In our experience, it leaned more restrained, with its strongest expression emerging alongside food.
Adrian, Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
