2022 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon

Highly Rated
A classic Margaret River Cabernet from old vines in Wilyabrup - structured, savoury, and built to age, but approachable now.

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Sale price$54.00
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Description

Vasse Felix has been at the heart of Margaret River Cabernet since 1967, and this 2022 release is another solid hit. It’s made from old vines grown in Wilyabrup’s classic gravelly soils - perfect Cabernet country. The season delivered low yields but concentrated fruit, and it shows in the depth and character of this wine.

It’s got all the hallmarks of great Margaret River Cabernet—dark berries, a hint of graphite, and some savoury edges thanks to a splash of Malbec in the mix. The tannins are fine but firm, giving it plenty of structure, and the finish is long and dry. It’s got the bones to age beautifully, but there’s enough fruit and balance to crack into it earlier if you can’t wait.

This is what Vasse Felix does best: classic, powerful Cabernet that’s true to its place and made to last.

95 points
"Blackcurrant, tobacco leaf, and cedar aromatics lead to a medium-bodied palate with intense black fruits, cigar box, dried tobacco, graphite, and black olive. Finely wrought tannins and phenomenal length ensure it drinks well now and will cellar beautifully."
- Stuart Knox (The Real Review)

95 points - "Full ruby-red colour. Blackcurrant, tobacco leaf and cedar aromatics. Medium bodied with a bright intensity of black fruits at the core. Cigar box, dried tobacco, graphite and black olive savouries all meld with the fruit to create a harmonious palate that is guided with persistent, finely wrought tannins. Phenomenal length and precision into the finish. This is a delight to drink now, and as a classic cabernet it will cellar very well." - Stuart Knox (The Real Review)

94 points - "The nose is lifted and perfumed with an underlying power, giving aromas of blackcurrants, potpourri, graphite and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of boysenberries, wild blackberries, mulberries and dried herbs. Very focused and generous, with a firmly integrated structure. Made from 89% cabernet sauvignon, 10% malbec and 1% merlot." - JamesSuckling.com

Vasse Felix Premier Cabernet Sauvignon
The premier Cabernet Sauvignon of Vasse Felix, crafted every year since 1972. As Margaret River’s original Cabernet, each vintage embodies a faithful pursuit of excellence, purity, and wine artistry. This Cabernet is an archetypal expression of the region, showcasing elegance, power, and ageability.

Appearance
Bright, deep garnet.

Nose
Concentrated and complex aromas unfold with dark berry coulis and raspberry pip, interwoven with graphite, wet stones, and dry forest floor. Floral hints of everlastings and potpourri emerge, alongside subtle notes of liquorice, star anise, and charcoal. Depth is added with nuances of saddle leather, wax, vanilla, and cedar.

Palate
The wine opens with a fresh, delicate entry that leads into a fleshy core elevated by buoyant acidity. Medium-bodied with a mouth-filling tension, it reveals vibrant complexity—blueberry skin, dark chocolate, and firm tannins build towards a long, dry finish. It exudes confidence, reminiscent of a warm yet assured handshake.

Winemaker Comments
Cabernet parcels from Wilyabrup, situated on ancient, well-drained gravel loam soils, produce a wine of great varietal purity and character. Each vineyard section was individually fermented using indigenous yeasts, with some parcels experiencing maceration for up to 34 days. Traditional oxidative handling and extended maceration help define the distinct personality of each site. Malbec continues to be a valuable component, enhancing the complexity of the Cabernet.

Vintage Description
A cool, winter-like spring delayed vine growth, with significant rainfall in October. A dry, warm summer with sustained warmth through December, January, and February, influenced by a La Niña season, led to a rapid ripening period for white varieties. Red varietals, including Cabernet, experienced warm and rapid veraison in early February, resulting in ripe, concentrated flavours. Despite low yields due to challenging spring conditions, fruit quality remained high, with elegant and concentrated flavours.

Winemaking Details
Varieties: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 1% Merlot
Harvested: 16 March – 18 April 2022
Pressing: 81% Basket Press, 19% Air Bag Press
Fermentation: 100% wild yeast, 100% whole berry
Fermentation Vessel: 86% Stainless Steel, 14% Alternate Vessels (Open Oak Vat, Concrete Egg, Cocciopesto)
Time on Skins: 11–32 days (average 18 days)
Maturation: 225L French oak barriques (34% new, 66% 1–5 years old)
Maturation Period: 19 months (18 months in oak, 1 month blended in tank)
Bottled: 28 November 2023
Wine Analysis
TA: 6.4 g/L
pH: 3.47
Malic Acid: 0.08 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.54 g/L
Alcohol: 14.5%
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Cellaring
Capable of cellaring for 20+ years, developing into a savoury, elegant aged Cabernet Sauvignon.





Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type Red
Body Full Bodied
Variety Cabernet Sauvignon
Country Australia
Region Margaret River
Australian State WA
Reviewed By The Real Review
James Suckling
Critic Score 95
94
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2022
Closure Screw Cap

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