1996 Cape Mentelle Shiraz

Community Tasting Notes (4) Avg Score: 91 points

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  5/15/2023 - mrdreeg wrote: 91 Points

  I appreciate the prior two notes by the same author -- the characteristics described in note #1 are accurate. Of course, the trigger was pulled too soon by him -- 19 years too early on his part. This 96 is a delicious minor gem. Color is still a marvelous red, silky body, decent savory flavors, and long finish.

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  8/29/2004 - Blair Curtis wrote: 89 Points

  This was my last bottle and not showing as well as the previous one. (I bought these several years after release so storage was not known). Still quite Rhonish - not at all in the fruit bomb mold. Very savory. This one has less texture than the prior bottle and the acidity is a bit spiky.

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  2/10/2004 - Blair Curtis wrote: 93 Points

  This was a very pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the '98 version of this wine - so much so that they all went in their youth and I have none left. It appears this may have been a mistake. The '96 showed some fantastic aged syrah characteristics (hint of tobacco, roast beef), but still carried gorgeous fruit. Truly, this wine could easily be mistaken for very good Hermitage (I'm certain this is the first time I've ever said this about an Aussie Shiraz). It is drinking perfectly now, but shows no sign of cracking up - could hold for 5 more years. Fantastic QPR on this wine: I paid $22 CDN = $16 USD. A treat, and I'm sorry I only have one left.

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  1/13/2002 - SadEdjo wrote:

  plush cedary plum cherry melow finish.

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