95 Points – James Halliday
My Wine Man on Cape Mentelle

Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon is a more refined, composed take on Australian red — built around balance, structure and purity rather than sheer power. One of Margaret River's benchmark Cabernets, the 2020 is drinking beautifully and shows exactly why this region is considered Australia's spiritual home for the variety.

Tasting Notes

Cassis, mulberry and subtle spice, lifted by a savoury edge that adds real complexity. The tannins are the key — fine, polished and supportive rather than dominant, giving the wine shape without heaviness. Everything feels controlled, precise and beautifully put together.

Food Pairing

A structured Margaret River Cabernet like this demands great beef. We love it with Cape Grim Grass-Fed Ribeye Steak from My Meat Man — the clean, grass-fed fat and char of a well-rested ribeye are a perfect foil for the wine's fine tannins, cassis fruit and savoury complexity. A pairing that does justice to both.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At 95 Halliday points, this is a serious Margaret River Cabernet at a price that still makes sense. Cape Mentelle is one of the region's founding estates — established in 1970 — and the 2020 vintage is one of the finest in recent memory. Elegance over power, every time.

Looking for a Different Style?

For a more approachable entry into the Cape Mentelle range, the 2023 Cape Mentelle Marri Cabernet Sauvignon is a great starting point. To compare vintages, the 2017 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon shows how this wine develops with age. For a peer-level Margaret River Cabernet from a different estate, the 2019 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional..