10 Feb 08 - Peter Forrestal, the Sunday Times wine critic, gives Capel Vale a glowing report

A little while ago, Peter Forretal, the Sunday Times Wine, Gourmet Traveller and Quaff book writer visited Capel Vale. He was obviously quite impressed by the wines and has thus reviewed them in the recent STM magazine in the Sunday Times.

He rates almost the entire range. See below for the full text.

CAPEL VALE'S NEW AGE
Geographe's largest winery, Capel Vale, which has substantial vineyards in Mt Barker, Pemberton and Margaret River, is showing the world a new face with a complete revamp of its range of wines. At the budget end [$14.95-$16.95], it has eight wines in the Debut range with the merlot, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc semilIon particularly recommended. The regional range [$21.95] includes a restrained get tangy Pemberton semilIon sauvignon blanc, a creamily textured Margaret River chardonnay [a bit oaky for me] and a stunningly good viognier [succulent, brightly viscous, complex] from Geographe. There is an interesting experimental range available only from the cellar door: sangiovese, excellent tempranillo and nebbiolo. At the pinnacle are two impressive single vineyard wines, the 2007 Whispering Hill Shiraz and 2007 Whispering Hill Riesling [intense lemon citrus, gently toasty, very fine, with a crisp, dry finish]. Peter Pratten, the driving force of Capel Vale since its beginnings in 1974, has stepped down as CEO in favour of his son, Simon. Few, however, expect that he or Elizabeth Pratten will be any less involved. A key to the changes in wine quality appears to be the involvement of consultant Larry Cherubino and some smart winemaking by Justin Hearn and Ryan Carter.

2007 Capel Vale Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc
This is quite restrained for a sav blanc, which is no bad thing: subtle, delicate, fresh and clean, with sugar snap-pea flavours and some zesty tropicals.

2005 Capel Vale Whispering Hill Shiraz, $49.95
A brilliant red from a single vineyard in Mt Barker that is still to evolve get has density and power, silky texture and substantial fine-knit tannins.

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