B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Earning the #2 spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wine Values of 2023, the impressive 93 pt. 2021 Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon boasts rich aromatic dark fruit hinting of earthy cedar and spice with fresh acidity and fine tannins, crafted by the pioneers of Australia’s Margaret River renowned for “elegant and wonderfully pure Cabernet Sauvignons” according to Angus Hughson of Vinous and delivering outstanding bang for the buck for Cab lovers seeking a value priced everyday pour.
A key player in establishing Australia’s remote Margaret River peninsula as one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon growing regions, Vasse Felix founder Tom Cullity planted his first commercial vineyards in the 1960’s, the estate expanding its holdings to over 300 hectares over the next decades and now run by second generation Paul Holmes a Court whose family has owned and operated Vasse since 1987. Located nearly three hours south of the Western Australian capital of Perth, the Margaret River enjoys a warm and dry Mediterranean climate with a long growing season allowing for optimal ripening and flavor development, while maritime breezes from the surrounding Southern and Indian Oceans keep the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes dry and disease free and preserve acidity. Credited with driving the steadily rising quality at Vasse Felix by Vinous critic Hughson, longtime winemaker Virginia Willcock blended mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot from across the estate’s sustainably farmed vineyards, fermenting with wild yeasts and aging the 2021 Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon in a mix of 1 to 5 year old French oak barrique for 11 months, yielding a “powerfully structured” Cab according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Christina Pickard that’s crafted to be enjoyed young and built to evolve over the next decade.
Described as “one of the region's standard-bearers” by the Wine Advocate’s Joe Czerwinski, the rich and vibrant 93 pt. 2021 Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon transparently expresses the distinctive Margaret River combination of “elegant structure and juicy fruit flavors” according to the Wine Spectator’s MaryAnn Worobiec, a great deal for fans of boldly structured Aussie Cabs at an easy to reach for price. |