11 Aug 08 - James Halliday names Capel Vale a Five Star winery

Capel Vale is delighted to have been awarded 5 stars as an overall winery by acclaimed wine writer, James Halliday. In the 2009 edition of the annual Australian Wine Companion, Halliday rated a number of Capel Vale wines highly, as well as awarding the winery an overall score of 5/5.

Below is an excerpt from the book about some of Capel Vale's wines:

Dr Peter Pratten's Capel Vale has expanded it's viticultural empire to the point where it is entierly an estate run business, with 165 ha of vineyards spread through Mount Barker, Pemberton, Margaret River & Geographe, planted to 13 varieties. Its wines cross every price point and style from fighting varietal to ultra premium; always known for it's Riesling, powerful red wines are now very much part of the portfolio.

5 Glasses (94 - 100 Outstanding)

Shiraz 2005 (94 Points)
Plenty of depth of flavour to the assemblage of spicy black fruits; careful manipulation of and balance between acid, fruit and oak. Gold Medal, National Wine Show 06 Screwcap. 15% alc. Rating: 94 To: 2011 $17.95

Debut Cabernet Merlot 2005 (94 Points)
Long, fine and intense black and red fruits plus nuances of spice and mint; very high quality tannin structure Rating: 94 To: 2017 $17.95

4 1/2 Glasses (90 - 93 Highly Recommended)

Cellar Exclusive Geographe Viognier 2007 (93 Points)
A powerful wine, with strong apricot and honey fruit; has above-average length and structure
Rating: 93 To: 2012 $26.95

Cellar Exclusive Margaret River Caberent Merlot Petit Verdot Malbec 2005 (93 Points)
Strong varietal expression of Cabernet, with blackcurrant and a suggestion of red fruits; the palate is soft and supple, but with real backbone at the core; fine and complex on the finish. Screwcap 14.5% Rating: 93 To: 2015 $26.95

Debut Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007 (91 Points)
Good length, focus and line to the mix of sweet lime and gooseberry fruit; minerally acidity tightens and lenghtens the finish. Screwcap. 12.5% alc. Rating: 91 To: 2010 $17.95

Regional Series Pemberton Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (90 Points)
Aromas and flavours of grass, herb, asparagus and gooseberry; a long clear cut palate; Semillon 66%. Screwcap. 12.5% alc. Rating: 90 To 2011 $22.99

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