Mantra [Abundance] Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Margaret River, WA)
$20, Screwcap, 13.5%
I’ve never actually met Brad Wehr, producer of both this Mantra and the cannily labelled Wine By Brad range, yet I can imagine him as one of only a select group of people who can pull off a Hawaiian shirt without looking like an American tourist. (though I could be wrong)
After sitting with a glass or so of this, one of Brad’s newest babies, for about an hour, I think I finally have this wines measure. Took me a while though, as it’s quite an oaky and ripe beast, that initially pours very sweetly. Give it a good decant then if you don’t like chocolate milkshakes.
Eventually I decided, and some might scoff, that this has more than a little baby Moss Wood about it. It’s certainly a lighter wine than your typical Moss Wood, and the fruit struggles to keep up with the oak, but its the texture that had me thinking of Keith Mugford’s Wilyabrup baby.
Flavour wise its all dark chocolate, black pastille lollies and medium toast oak, sitting in a very plump, yet still dry and unequivocally Margaret River warm vintage style. It’s upfront and voluptuous then, but with enough grunt to keep things interesting.
Personally I’d like to see a less toasty oak, as its just a little too dominant for me, but that’s more an indication of personal preference. In truth, it’s hard to disagree with how personable this is. Very few people are going to dislike it, and especially not at the price. 17/90
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