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madpoet's Review:

This is another of the big three Margaret River Chardonnays that are in the mid-price range (with apologies to Leeuwin which owns the high end with the Art Series, but whose Prelude rarely measures up): Voyager Estate, Cape Mentelle and Devil's Lair. The bottom line is simple, I see them on sale and buy a case - vintage makes little difference. The best vintages are great, the lesser remarkably good. This was a great year for Devil's Lair. Mattinson, Walsh, Halliday and Oliver all agreed, and in an odd moment, Oliver was at the top of the rating group (95). Melon, tropical fruit, stone fruit and grapefruit are abundant with an oak that carries a long, rich, creamy finish. This one is a joy. Alas the case is almost gone.

madpoet's Review:

Another great Margaret River Chardonnay. You can safely buy any Cape Mentelle Chardonnay (they won't release a bad one) and have just knocked off a case or so of the 2005, we were looking forward to this and it did not disappoint. Melon with peaches and grapefruit and a cedary, nutty oak that is perfect with a finish you almost don't wait to enjoy, wanting more. And one of the rare times that Halliday, Oliver and Mattinson all agree - 95 points all around.

madpoet's Review:

As a forewarning, I am a lover of Aussie Chards. The Margaret River has become the home of some of the world's best moderate priced chards. This one is in the heart of that category. It is big, with stone fruit and melon, the necessary hint of grapefruit and cashew like oak, with the oak perfectly balanced. Halliday's is his usual generous self with 96 points but Oliver and Walsh are no pushovers and they much agree. It's going to live for more than a few years, but mine will never make it. It is so good now, why wait.