Vasse Felix Premier Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml 2022 x 6

'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