Bigger, richer and rounder than the elegant, streamlined 2011, Cape Mentelle's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals herb-inflected notes of cassis and vanilla on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, with hints of bay leaf and sage layered over dark fruit and an undercurrent of earth and pipe tobacco. The tannins are still prominent but fine-grained and look sure to evolve toward silken savoriness within another couple of years, after which it should drink well for at least a decade.

Complex, with firm, gripping tannins that have a smoky, spicy background, showing plenty of roasted herb and savory notes to the plum and dried blueberry flavors. Drink now through 2026. 100 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / Western Australia / Margaret River Select to Add