Capel Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

This wine is from their 'Regional Series' and retails around $25.

Deep purple in colour. It's developed quite a bit from the first botlle (of a six pack) I opened a year or so ago. Then, it was too young to drink (as young Cabernet can be)

The nose is showing rich blackberry, and soft dark fruit aromas. There's a bit of toasty oak, but quite restrained, and the fruit is dominant.

The palate seems soft and gentle also - although both the tannins and acid are noticeably present, it's the wash of blackberry conserve that dominates the palate.

I am in two minds about this one - do I spread it on my toast tomorrow, or do I allow the structure that is obviously there to develop the wine over a few more years? Fortunately, there's another 4 bottles remaining, and history with earlier vintages suggests that the wine will develop well.

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

It's time to have another look at this wine. It's evolved nicely in the intervening period of time.

There's still rich blackberry, dark fruits, and toasty oak. The spice level has gone up significantly, and there's also touches of tobacco and dark olives.

The palate has balanced out a little more too - there's signs of development (in a positive way) that adds to the complexity. The tannins and acid are also more in harmony with the overt fruit, and overall, the wine just seems to be 'coming around' nicely.

I saw this recently at a well-known retailer for under $20 (for the 2015 vintage). You could do worse.

Cheers
Allan

[Mahmoud Ali]

Sounds like it is progressing nicely. I have to say that Margaret River cabernet is a glaring weakness in my collection. Almost bought a Stella Bella some years ago but the high necked bottle was too repulsive and presented a challenge since it would not fit in any carton or box for cellaring.

Mahmoud.

[Chuck]

I have always been impressed by these guys. Good solid MR fruit with various price points depending on the occasion. Just picked up a case of their cellar exclusive cabernet. Great QPR and better than a Tuesday night wine.

Carl