Coming from the Cape Mentelle Estate and Kyella Vineyards, vines planted in 1988, the 2009 Shiraz was fermented in French oak, 30% new, and aged in oak for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives intense aromas of crushed blackberries, warm blueberries and cracked black pepper with hints of vanilla and baking spices. Full bodied, it has refreshing acid cutting through the densely packed berry and spice flavors textured with a medium level of rounded tannins and finishing long and peppery. Delicious now, it should remain vibrant to 2018+. Part of the large LVMH stable, Cape Mentelle has maintained its autonomy managing itself like the well established medium-large sized winery that it has become. Sourcing fruit largely from estate owned (it’s about 70% self-sufficient), well established vines is one of the secrets to their success as well as a great team, including Robert Mann, Tim Lovett and Simon Burnell at the winemaking helm. Having followed this property before LVMH days and when David Hohnen was in residence, in recent years I may hate the newly designed labels but remain a great fan of the wines. The Sauvignon / Semillon and Cabernet / Merlot are the real drivers of this winery in terms of volume, and very good value at that, though the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel (if you can find it) are the real jewels. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY.