Cape Mentelle launches a new collection honouring a native Margaret River icon - the Marri tree

Founding Margaret River winery Cape Mentelle is releasing a brand new wine range inspired by the iconic Marri Trees native to the wine region. Launching in May, the new Marri range is a collection of four wines showcasing four varieties that have put Margaret River on the map. 

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The range is a vibrant introduction to Margaret River’s most famed varietals, featuring a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz, each crafted from the 2023 vintage. 

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The collection pays homage to the native Marri tree, which has become a symbol of the picturesque South West wine region. The Marri tree has been featured on Cape Mentelle’s label art since 1976 as a nod to the Marri trees that bordered the winery’s original Wallcliffe Vineyard. Not only do the native trees serve as a haven for the endangered black cockatoo and other local species, but they also act as a natural shield, safeguarding the celebrated vineyards that lie along Margaret River's rugged coastline. 

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“Marri Trees have been a consistent presence for the Cape Mentelle winemaking team since the winery’s inception in 1970. They surround our vineyards and protect our vines from the southern breeze that sweeps onto the land from the ocean. This shelters our grapes from the wind, allowing them to ripen in optimal conditions, which helps us create wines of outstanding quality.” David Moulton, Chief of Winemaking and Viticulture at Cape Mentelle. 

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Senior Winemaker Coralie Lewis comments, “We created this range to be the perfect starting point for those unfamiliar with the Margaret River region and its array of delicious wine styles. The wines are easy-drinking yet quintessential of Cape Mentelle and Margaret River: a crisp and citrus-forward

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Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, a bright and varietal Chardonnay, a Shiraz bursting with plum and sweet spice, and a Cabernet filled with blue fruits and supple tannins.” 

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“They are balanced, refreshing and flavourful while retaining the Margaret River's unique characteristics. They demonstrate why the Margaret River is so beloved worldwide, and I’m excited to share these wines with wine lovers everywhere,” comments Lewis. 

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To launch the new range, Cape Mentelle has partnered with renowned Sydney-based landscape photographer Vincent Rommelaere. Rommelaere journeyed to Margaret River to capture the essence of the region with a series of drone photographs that celebrate the region's Marri trees, vineyards, and rugged coastline. 

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Cape Mentelle is one of Margaret River's five founding wineries. It is situated on a rugged cape at the mouth of Margaret River, where two deep blue oceans meet, and a vast continent ends. 

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Established by wine industry pioneer David Hohnen and his brothers Mark and Giles in 1970, the journey started with just 16 hectares of vines. In the early days, the brothers experimented with grape varieties, including Shiraz, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Many of these original plantings are the source of the distinctive wines that have come to characterise Cape Mentelle. 

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From its humble beginnings, Cape Mentelle is now a highly awarded winery. Notably, the winery won the coveted Jimmy Watson Memorial Award back to back in 1983 and 1984. It is also proudly certified with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia thanks to its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability in all facets of the business. 

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The Cape Mentelle Marri Collection is now available from Dan Murphy's with a RRP of $21.99. The Marri red wines are now available from BWS with a RRP of $25.

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For more information please contact:
[email protected]