‘from a vintage that combined fruit intensity and stylishness…’

96 Points

A classically elegant and exquisitely presented cabernet from a vintage that combined fruit intensity and stylishness. The aroma has a distinctive lift of blackcurrant and slightly savoury olive tapenade with a deep dark chocolate character. Hint of bay leaf and oyster shell minerality. It’s finely balanced with fine-grained oak and firm fine tannins.

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
The Premier Cabernet Sauvignon of Vasse Felix. Made every year since
1972, each vintage of this historic Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River’s
original, embodies a faithful pursuit of excellence, purity and wine
artistry. Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon is an archetypal expression,
possessing all the hallmarks of the finest Margaret River Cabernet;
elegance, power and ageability.
APPEARANCE
Bright deep Garnet.
VARIETIES
89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 1% Merlot
NOSE
Concentrated and complex aromas unfold with dark berry
coulis and raspberry pip, intertwined with graphite, wet
stones, and dry forest floor. Floral notes of everlastings and
potpourri emerge, alongside subtle accents of liquorice, star
anise, and charcoal. A touch of saddle leather, wax, vanilla, and
cedar adds depth to this captivating aroma.
PALATE
A fresh and delicate entry leads to a fleshy core, elevated
by buoyant acidity. Medium-bodied with a lovely mouth
filling tension, it unfolds with vibrant complexity—notes of
blueberry skin, dark chocolate, and firm tannins build towards
a long, dry finish. It’s reminiscent of a warm yet assured
handshake, exuding confidence.
WINEMAKER COMMENTS
Cabernet parcels grown in Wilyabrup, (the coastal, mid
northern part of Margaret River) on ancient, well drained
gravel loam soils to produce a wine of great varietal purity
and character. These wonderful, often tiny, vineyard sections
were individually fermented using indigenous yeasts, with
some experiencing maceration periods of up to 34 days.
Natural fermentation and extended maceration are coupled
with traditional oxidative handling to clearly define the
intricate personality of each vineyard site before blending.
Malbec still remains a valuable component as it always has
with our Cabernet Sauvignon.
VINTAGE DESCRIPTION
A cool, winter-like spring saw vine growth delayed in
development. Rainfall in October was significant. A dry and
warm summer, with sustained warmth day and night through
December, January and February, possibly influenced by
another La Niña season, saw a rapid ripening period for all
white varieties, with all vineyards harvested in little over a
month. Fruit quality was excellent with surprising delicacy
and elegance. A low yielding vintage, primarily due to spring
conditions over the past two years. Warm and rapid veraison
for reds in early February was ideal and saw the Cabernet’s
desirable ripe flavours pronounce themselves quickly. Vine
health remains fantastic, with fruit quality high and flavours
concentrated.
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 barrique
34% new, 66% 1-5 year old,
19 months; 18 months in oak, 1 month blended in tank
BOTTLED 28 November 2023
TA 6.4g/L PH 3.47
MALIC ACID 0.08g/L
RESIDUAL SUGAR 0.54g/L
ALCOHOL 14.5%
VEGAN FRIENDLY Yes
CELLARING 20+ years for savoury, elegant aged
Cabernet Sauvignon

$44.67,

Vasse Felix Premier Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml 2022 x 6