VASSE FELIX | Filius | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
cabernet sauvignon | malbec | petit verdot

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Established in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix is Margaret River’s founding wine estate. Recognized as one of the great wine regions of the world, Margaret River enjoys a truly unique environment and climate which makes it a paradise for grape growing, where vines are planted on well drained, gravely-loam soils, thus capable to deliver wines of velvety elegance, vibrancy of fruit and a great ageing potential.

The wine that we are going to review today hardly requires any introduction, as this is one of the most famous wine labels from the lands of Down Under – Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by Vasse Felix. Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all over the world in a wide range of climates and regions and it can produce wines that are very high in tannins and acidity, that can mature and develop for many years in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a late ripening grape variety, which means that it is best suited for warm climates, where it is capable to produce wines that can reach into realms of perfection, where they are rarely followed. This is the winemaker’s leaner version of its world famous cabernet sauvignon wine. Filius is made as a new-age cabernet sauvignon wine, with power and structure which will help it to age gracefully in the cellar, but it also has that vibrant juicy fruit profile and smooth mouthfeel to enable it to be also enjoyed while young. Although technically it is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (86%), malbec (12%) and petit verdot (2%) grape varieties, this wine was made of grapes sourced from the coastal Wilyabrup sub-region (situated in the mid-northern part of Margaret River). Each grape variety has been vinified individually with minimal intervention, fermented on wild yeasts only, before being blended. The final wine has been aged for 11 months in french oak barriques, from which only 7% new oak. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe & vibrant

On the first nose, this wine unveils a vibrant and ripe fruit character that immediately captures attention. The foreground displays a combination of ripe black and blue fruits with savory undertones: black cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry and black plum intermingle seamlessly with the notes of new leather, brown olive and a touch of iron. The background adds depth to the wine’s aromatic profile, with earthy and spicy elements, featuring clay, loam, rosemary and thyme. Subtle notes of cloves, sun-dried oakwood, tobacco and toasted oak further enhance the wine’s aromatic complexity. This wine delivers a very lovely olfactory experience that balances its fruity-vibrant accents with the harmonious interplay of terroir-derived, earthy nuances, thus adding a layer of rustic charm and genuine savoriness.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: crisp

On the palate, this wine delivers elegance and finesse with its vibrant fruit character, with a mesmerizing interplay of ripe black and blue fruits. On the mouthfeel the wine displays bright acidity and silky tannins that that invigorates the senses and forms a velvety texture. A touch of well-integrated alcoholic warmth adds depth and structure, thus enhancing the wine’s body. This is a very round, plump and ample wine that culminates with a refreshingly crisp aftertaste, that leaves a quite lasting sensation. The interplay of oak-derived notes with the terroir-driven flavours adds an extra layer of complexity to the wine’s already rich profile. This is a wine that offers balance, harmony and finesse, making it an excellent choice for those wine enthusiasts who are looking for a genuine and honest representation of Margaret River’s terroir.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or within the next 3-4 years
verdict: great | a must try wine

All in all, this is an ample and well-structured wine with a nuanced, terroir-driven accent that radiates that genuine rustic delicacy that only the best wines are capable to deliver. Its round and velvety mouthfeel, coupled with its voluptuous and rich character, creates a truly captivating sensory experience. This is a wine that is all about complexity and elegance, with the interplay of ripe black fruits, earthy undertones and subtle hints of oak, adding depth and sophistication. While it may benefit from some additional bottle aging, there is no doubts that this wine can be also be enjoyed today without sacrificing too much of its ageing potential. For those wine connoisseurs looking for a top-quality wine that embodies the essence of its origin, this one is a must try.

//Scoring
VASSE FELIX | Filius | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
variety: cabernet sauvignon | malbec | petit verdot
country: Australia | Western Australia
region: Margaret River | Wilyabrup
rating: 94.3

//Prediction
predicted rating: 91
actual rating: 91
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This is definitely a great wine of Australia and, with a total of 94.3 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s nuanced, terroir-driven delicacy and complex flavor profile, we believe it will pair lovely with a roasted leg of lamb, served with garlic-rosemary gravy crust and with a side of sautéed spinach. The wine’s ripe and vibrant fruit character, along with its earthy and spicy undertones, will nicely complement the herbaceous flavors of the lamb and the side dish. In the same key, the velvety-ample structure of the wine, will harmonize with the tender and succulent lamb meat, while the bright acidity and that crisp aftertaste of the wine, will provide a delightful contrast to the savory delicacy of the dish. The sautéed spinach will further enhance the wine’s complexity, creating a truly elegant and satisfying dining experience. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures that this pairing brings forth. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.