Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

SSB (that’s what the wine geeks call Sauvignon Blanc Semillon) is Australia’s take on the classic Bordeaux white blend. Western Australia’s Margaret River region has made SSB one of its favourite styles and has now become famous around the world for producing amazing examples of this aromatic, dry white.

Brothers David, Mark and Giles Hohnen formed Cape Mentelle (funnily enough named after the nearby cape with the same name) in 1970 and in 1985 started Cloudy Bay in Marlborough, making Mentelle a little bit of a big brother to NZ’s own Cloudy Bay.

It’s a juicy, clean, dry white with pungent tropical fruit flavours (that’s the Sauvignon at play) with bright, crisp acidity (that’s the Semillon). Don’t worry too much about cellaring this style, it’s best enjoyed young and fresh and served with white meats, fish and seafood in light sauces.

Cape Mentelle’s Technical Director Frederique sets the scene nicely when he talks about this fresh and juicy. “Melds remarkably well with freshly shucked oysters, preferably whilst enjoying a sunset on the beach.”