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Available by the dozen
Capel Vale bears the fruit of more than thirty years research, trials and improvements, on the land and amongst the vines. Fully Cabernet Sauvignon and very, very Margaret River, enhanced by a regimen of new and old world vinification techniques, a full bodied red by one of the region's most accomplished teams. The choicest parcels, picked off the most superior blocks of the prestigious Scholar Vineyard at Cowaramup, elegant and statuesque, framed by stately tannins and refined French oak. While relatively cool, the greater Margaret River region experiences an earlier vintage and can support red grape varieties which would not ripen so well elsewhere. The cooling influence of the Indian Ocean permits complex flavours to develop while warm days ripen the tannins. Picked at optimum ripeness, all vines are closely husbanded, harvest is carried out to healthy levels of baume. Fruit is destemmed but not crushed and each batch is handled separately. Treated to a cold maceratation and moderate ferment, yeasts are introduced to increase texture and aromatics. Following vinification and extended maceration, the wine is matured in a selection seasoned and new French oak barriques.
TASTING NOTESVibrant red with purple hues. Mulberry, cassis and capsicum nose, multi black fruit characters, fragrant with blueberry and cassis. Mulberries, cassis and plum flavoured palate, supported by chocolate oak notes and exquisite licorice tannins. Delicious to drink young for its primary fruit characters, to accompany beef stroganoff, dukkah crusted lamb, mature cheddar or romano porcini tortellini. |
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Capel Vale began as a hobby for Sydney radiologist Dr Peter Pratten and his wife Elizabeth when they purchased land on the Capel River between Bunbury and Busselton in 1974
Capel Vale Winery, restaurant and cellar door, now sit atop the original vineyard site, Stirling Estate. Stirling Estate was originally the site of a stone fruit orchard in the 1930s. Consisting of rich, red alluvial loams over a limestone base, it possessed a natural, permanent watertable and was perfect for growing vines. The first plantings were in 1974, producing the first commercial vintage in 1980. After determining that the soils of the Capel area (now included in the EU registered Geographe Region) were best suited to Chardonnay and Merlot, it became the Prattens passion to determine the best region in South Western Australia for each of the main premium grape varieties. Capel Vale»
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