TN: Capel Vale "The Scholar" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

[Waiters Friend]

Capel Vale's flagship cabernet, from a warmer year in Margaret River.

Purple in colour, with a crimson rim. The nose is slightly oak dominant, with blackcurrant, dried oregano, tomato leaf, tobacco and a little vanilla.

The palate is silky with slightly slippery tannins. It shows more of the dark fruits and dried herbs, and is mouth-filling without being overly heavy. There's enough complexity to make it very interesting, and it finishes quite long. Very satisfying, and a good match for rich meat dishes (which I am about to have).

Cheers
Allan

[Mahmoud Ali]

Sounds like a very appetising wine Allan. What is the level of alcohol if I might ask?

Cheers ......................... Mahmoud.

[Waiters Friend]

Sounds like a very appetising wine Allan. What is the level of alcohol if I might ask?

Cheers ......................... Mahmoud.

14.5% Mahmoud. About right for a warm year in MR.

[Waiters Friend]

My last bottle of this vintage, three and a half years on.

The colour has lightened only marginally. Fruit has diminished slightly, as has the oak, and it's the dried herbs and tomato leaf now slightly more prominent on the nose.

The palate remains silky, with tannins now fully integrated and less prominent. The dark fruits are heading into secondary territory, and the herbs are still noticeable. It's medium to full bodied, and still retains the relative richness referred to in 2020. Long finish and still satisfying.

Happy to be drinking this now - I suspect it will only decline from here.

Cheers
Allan