TN: Capel Vale 'The Scholar" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

[Waiters Friend]

I obtained a vertical of these 2007-2011 as a mixed dozen about 10 years ago and for some reason have left the last few unopened for a few years. This is the last of the 2007s.

Tasted over two nights. The wine was fairly hard and unyielding even after 3 hours on the first night. Graphite, dark tobacco, wood smoke, and dried herbs dominated the nose and there was very little discernable fruit, and no fruit sweetness at all. The palate reflected the nose, with hard acid. This did not bode well.

What a difference a day makes. The nose is still mostly savoury (graphite still dominating) but some blackcurrant is creeping through. The palate, however, has opened up considerably and the fruit is shining again. A lovely balance between the fruit and the oak derived elements, with grippy tannins and the acid freshens the wine in a supporting way. Full bodied, with a long finish and satisfying mouthfeel.

Excellent wine, second time around

I generally go by the working theory of "the older the wine, the shorter the decanting time", but this was an exception.

Cheers
Allan

[Ian S]

I think your rule is still sensible for very much older / over-mature wines (I've experienced enough falling over inside an hour), though there's also a counter-theory or two on US forums, e.g. Audouze method / old nebbiolo threads that demands even longer waits (the former without decanting, the latter with).

I tend towards the view that if the long decant time turns out to be the wrong choice, there's no way back, but having the time to let the wine open up in the glass, gives the drinker greater control. Not so practical if dining out, but can be more practical at home.

[Waiters Friend]

I tend towards the view that if the long decant time turns out to be the wrong choice, there's no way back, but having the time to let the wine open up in the glass, gives the drinker greater control.

Makes perfect sense to me, Ian, and I will continue to apply this as a general rule. I will be opening a number of 20+ year old bottles over the next couple of weeks. This makes a great excuse to have longer dinner parties "the wine's not ready yet - let's have something else in the meantime"

Cheers
Allan

[Ian S]

lol

[WAwineguy]

I had a couple of 2007s of this, the last of which I drank last year. It had that distinct graphite flavour so typical of good Margaret River cabernet - very nice.