Introduced to the vineyard from California in 1972, zinfandel is a particularly demanding variety both
in the vineyard and the winery. Cape Mentelle Zinfandel commands a ‘cult’ following for its big rich full
bodied style.Predominantly sourced from the Cape Mentelle Estate vines where there is a combination
of old bush vines and vertically shoot positioned canopies. Th e vines are shoot thinned
and in some cases leaf plucked to ensure a balance between fruit exposure to light while
providing protection from the midday sun.Th e 2006 vintage in Margaret River was challenging for many reasons. It was a very
cool vintage with a late budburst and restricted shoot growth early due to a cool and dry
2005 spring. When some warm weather arrived in November shoot growth accelerated
producing strong healthy canopies with moderate crops. Th e summer months proved
to be unseasonally mild with occasional light rain. Th e result of the mild conditions
was a harvest delayed by up to four weeks across all varieties and was the latest vintage
recorded in the regions forty years of viticultural experience.

Fresh prunes, chocolate, dark cherry, mixed spice and subtle vanilla pod.

A rich, full and textural wine, with sweet, ripe redcurrant fruit accompanied by hints
of spicy clove and plum jam.

Deep brick red

Slow cooked beef cheek with shitake mushrooms.

Th is vintage may reward cellaring to 2014.