2021 Vasse Felix Premier Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape
Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon
Its Origins
As the moderate climate of Margaret River is becoming Australia’s centre of premium winemaking, Vasse Felix are leading the pack in recognition and can, in fact, lay claim to having been there first. It was the founder Dr Thomas Cullity whose planting experiments were confirmed when in 1966 experts identified Margaret River as a near homoclime (same climate as) Bordeaux. Luckily those commissioning the studies, and the local newspaper that published the details, had no idea how significant they were, and in 1967 Cullity had little competition in finding the best site - which he cleverly did in redgum country with red gravel above and clay lying below. Here at Margaret River’s first vineyard, Vasse Felix, he planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec and Riesling. The latter variety was to be the label’s first success (in 1972), showing the white wine promise of the cooler Margaret River, which is now as famous for Chardonnay as it is for Cabernet Sauvignon. Regarding Cabernet itself - which is the winery’s flagship - the acknowledged experts at Vasse Felix have a distinctive take on this variety, revealing the elegant and aromatic nature of the grape so that that at times it seems to compare as much to Burgundy as it does to Bordeaux. With an established reputation but also the strictest artisanship and organic, sustainable practices - including being on the cutting edge of industrial recycling - Vasse Felix are not only masters of their art, but stayers in the game.
What The Critics Say
96/100 The West Australian, Paul Edwards
"The 2021 vintage marks the 50th successive release of Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon. It is an exemplary expression of the region’s red wine, and is a fitting tribute to the anniversary, not least because it is widely considered as a challenging vintage for Margaret River reds... Elegant, restrained and finely textured Cabernet. Descriptions like “seamless” and “ethereal” come to mind. There’s a rare purity to the plum, raspberry coulis and fragrant blackberry fruit, and complexity with crushed leaves, bay leaf, rosemary. The freshness of youth is charming, but this will continue to improve for a decade with careful cellaring. A superior cabernet that competes with the best of the region and over-delivers on its price."
96/100 Fine Wine Club, Barry Weinman
"2021 vintage represents the 50th release of the Vasse Felix cabernet, and what a wine it is. Surely the best wine ever released under this label and at $55, an absolute bargain on the world wine stage. I could not resist drinking a glass (or two) at the end of the tasting, such is the quality and approachability. Fine, elegant and refined, this is textbook Margaret River cabernet. The medium bodied precise ripe fruit has been sympathetically handled making for a wine that is almost magically, supple and approachable today, yet simultaneously being capable of long-term ageing. With air, the lifted aromatics of the ripe, yet restrained fruit was a highlight. Celebrating the 50th vintage of the Vasse Felix cabernet and possibly the best wine released to date.
94/100 James Suckling
"The nose is deeply perfumed, with complex aromas of blackcurrants, olive tapenade, tobacco leaves, cedar and saltbush. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and focused acidity, giving notes of blood plums, wild blackberries, graphite and ferric earth. Very refined and polished. Delicious. A blend of 86% cabernet franc and 14% malbec. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Region | Western Australia |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Maturity | 2024 - 2045 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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