Cape Mentelle is a rightful legend and founding estate of Margaret River.  Its role in putting MR on the map cannot be overstated.  And its fact, its role goes well beyond the Margaret River.  Some of its founding partners would go on to help conceptualise and launch what would become the modern birth of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc revolution.  (The mighty Cloudy Bay Winery in NZ’s famous Marlborough region was founded by David Hohnen founder of Cape Mentelle.)  In a cruel twist of fate, a glut of NZ wine on the Australian market would see Cape Mentelle forced to sell of some of its vineyards during the Global Financial Crisis.

Today, Cape Mentelle is a stunning cellar door celebrating its place in the region’s histories.  You can expect professional (if sometimes overly serious) service and some great wines in the mix.  We suspect, however, the prices may carry a bit of a name premium beyond their underlying drops compared to some of what we’ve found in the region.  Still, for history if nothing else, any serious wine enthusiast must pay a visit.