Vasse Felix, Filius Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Established in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix is Margaret River's founding wine estate. Pristine isolation, ancient lands and twin oceans make Margaret River a wine paradise and one of the world’s greatest environments to grow ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These varieties, alongside Shiraz and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends are the primary focus at Vasse Felix. All wines are grown in Vasse Felix’s four Margaret River vineyards then vinified and bottled within the modern winery, situated at the Home Vineyard overlooking the Wilyabrup Brook. The Vasse Felix Cellar Door - also located at the Home Vineyard - is renowned. Featuring a tasting room, wine lounge, art gallery, wine museum and one of Australia's most acclaimed restaurants, visitors are welcomed from all around the world, eager for the ultimate Vasse Felix experience.

There are many things that make Vasse Felix the special place it is: the incredible environment and climate of Margaret River, their secure family ownership, their treasured heritage, and their priceless vineyards. But above all, it's the dedication of the entire team to continue Dr Cullity's original aim for Vasse Felix: "to make the best possible wine". 

Vegan.

Winemaker
Virginia Willcock

Grape / Blend
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot

Origin
Margaret River, Australia

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with a purple tinge. Bright blood plum and blackcurrant fragrance lift from the glass, layered with graphite, dried winter herbs— bay and sage—violets, and spicy charcuterie. Subtle notes of mushroom and Mexican chocolate add complexity. A soft and fresh entrance reveals bright fruit and a dusty tannin build, finishing powdery and dry. Elegant yet juicy acidity carries fresh blackcurrant, with a hint of native potpourri lingering over a solid tannin base.

94 Points - James Suckling
Abundant black-fruit aromas supported by spices, cedar, crushed stones and violets. The medium-bodied palate has a creamy texture and finely tuned, generous tannins with so much purity of fruit. Grown further away from the ocean with a more continental feel. Delicious and early-drinking yet serious.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
An excellent intro to this famed Western Australian Cab style, this vintage is, compared to the previous two, on the richer, denser side. Supple dark-berry fruit with salt-flecked herbs, seaweed savoriness and a dark-chocolate underbelly are woven with powdery, chiseled tannins and tangy black-currant acidity.

92 Points - James Halliday
Highly appealing from the word go. All dark fruits and spice, savory with a little mint and nori in the mix. It’s supple and giving across the mid-weighted palate, pliable tannins and a freshness throughout.

91 Points - Wine Spectator
A generous mix of kirsch, cassis and blackberry flavors is dense and dark, accented by notes of palo santo, tobacco and cardamom. The tannins are dense, and a grace note of malty Assam black tea lingers on the finish, with plenty of harmony and firming tannins.

Product size: 750ml