Open-knit aromas of red currant, cassis and cherry mingle with more savory and characteristics like eucalyptus, seaweed, iodine, graphite, a whiff of smoke and tobacco leaf. Tannins are fine yet powerful, neatly supporting the juicy currant fruit. A line of fresh acidity is particularly lovely on this vintage. Drink now–2032.
95 points, Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2022)
With 7.5/2/0.5% malbec/petit verdot/cabernet franc. 100% wild ferment, matured for 18 months in French oak (44% new, the balance 1–2+yo), unfined. The 2019 vintage was cool, largely responsible for a tranche of very precise, perfumed cabernet sauvignons. Aniseed, kelp, bitter chocolate, blackberry and all things midnight. Rich and savoury – the fruit is bolstered by firm graphite tannins. The length of flavour, coupled with Willcock's proven pedigree in this field, tell us what we want to know about longevity: always back bluechip. The fruit is encased in tannin right now: if you plan to drink in the short term you must decant. This will go far.
94 points, Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (Mar 2022)
Vasse Felix is a savory house—it's important to understand in order to fully understand the wines, I believe. They are driven by savory, spicy tannin (reds) and chalky, structuring extract (whites). In this cool 2019 vintage, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is aromatically detailed, with cassis, mulberry, brine, nori, sun-dried kelp, iodine and five spice. On the palate, while the wine is structured and firm, no tannin can stop the mellifluous flow of fruit through the mouth. An impressive spool of flavor through the finish tells us about the potential this wine has for graceful aging in the cellar. Drink it at any time, but cellar it with confidence for 15 years plus.
93+ points, Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)
This classically style 2019 Bordeaux blend brings together largely Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec and Petit Verdot plus a splash of Cabernet Franc. It's currently reserved and understated with a beautiful blend of blackcurrant and leathery aromas with a bright lift of violets and superbly integrated oak. A punchy, energetic palate follows with intense mulberry, blackcurrant and cedar flavours with a firm base of tannins. A long, strong finish suggests that time will only make it better.
93 points, Angus Hughson, Vinous (Sep 2022)
Top Quality Store
