Vasse Felix

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

9.017 ratings
9.19 pro ratings
Margaret River, South West Australia, Western Australia, Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Bob McDonald

This is the last of an original dozen - proved to be an excellent buy for only $32 per bottle. See previous note 49 weeks ago. Stalky whole bunch notes together with nice black berry, cassis and mint. Typical Margaret River herbaceous notes but this also has an SA Cassis bent. Not full bodied but definitely full flavoured with M+ intensity you get from quality Marg River Cabernet. So enjoyable to drink this with a Barbecued grass fed Rib Fillet - medium rare.

This is the last of an original dozen - proved to be an excellent buy for only $32 per bottle. See previous note 49 weeks ago. Stalky whole bunch notes together with nice black berry, cassis and mint. Typical Margaret River herbaceous notes but this also has an SA Cassis bent. Not full bodied but definitely full flavoured with M+ intensity you get from quality Marg River Cabernet. So enjoyable to drink this with a Barbecued grass fed Rib Fillet - medium rare.

Jul 26th, 2023
Bob McDonald

See many previous notes on Delectable, as recently as 22 weeks ago. Getting to the end of a dozen originally bought. I might have one left. This is the 2nd best Cabernet blend from VF. Originally the premium Cuvée was Heytesbury, now called Tom Cullity. This is probably the best rated “2nd Cuvée” in Margaret River. M+ intensity, touch of menthol, all the classic Cabernet descriptors including capsicum (bell pepper). Very enjoyable from a good vintage.

See many previous notes on Delectable, as recently as 22 weeks ago. Getting to the end of a dozen originally bought. I might have one left. This is the 2nd best Cabernet blend from VF. Originally the premium Cuvée was Heytesbury, now called Tom Cullity. This is probably the best rated “2nd Cuvée” in Margaret River. M+ intensity, touch of menthol, all the classic Cabernet descriptors including capsicum (bell pepper). Very enjoyable from a good vintage.

Aug 17th, 2022
Bob McDonald

See previous Delectable notes. Margaret River herbaceousness (pyrazines) bell pepper, with blackberry and aromas of hot road after a rain shower. Medium weight but still with a good Cabernet tannic backbone. Cruising at 13 years of age with time still to go. The 2nd best Vasse Felix Cabernet and thoroughly enjoyable.

See previous Delectable notes. Margaret River herbaceousness (pyrazines) bell pepper, with blackberry and aromas of hot road after a rain shower. Medium weight but still with a good Cabernet tannic backbone. Cruising at 13 years of age with time still to go. The 2nd best Vasse Felix Cabernet and thoroughly enjoyable.

Mar 14th, 2022
Bob McDonald

Brought this to Bellwether to match with the 2009 Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon. A pretty even match - both top quality. Shared with Penfolds Viticulture senior executive Ben Harris and Sue Bell both excellent palates. This is more herbaceous and hay silage than the Coonawarra.

Brought this to Bellwether to match with the 2009 Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon. A pretty even match - both top quality. Shared with Penfolds Viticulture senior executive Ben Harris and Sue Bell both excellent palates. This is more herbaceous and hay silage than the Coonawarra.

Mar 26th, 2021
Bob McDonald

Similar notes to 29 weeks ago. A classical Margaret River nose - herbs, geranium, bay leaf and cassis. A medium weight palate without the weight of the top Cuvée the Heytesbury.

Similar notes to 29 weeks ago. A classical Margaret River nose - herbs, geranium, bay leaf and cassis. A medium weight palate without the weight of the top Cuvée the Heytesbury.

Oct 11th, 2020
Bob McDonald

Mid Ruby in colour. Aromas of Cassis, Bay Leaf, Capsicum and Herbs - very much in the Margaret River mould. Medium weight on the palate but with M plus intensity - tannins largely resolved. An excellent Cabernet from a good vintage- not quite the complexity of their flagship, the Heytesbury back in those days. Vasse Felix was the pioneer in Margaret River with Dr. Tom Cullity planting vines in 1973. The flagship for VF is now named after him.

Mid Ruby in colour. Aromas of Cassis, Bay Leaf, Capsicum and Herbs - very much in the Margaret River mould. Medium weight on the palate but with M plus intensity - tannins largely resolved. An excellent Cabernet from a good vintage- not quite the complexity of their flagship, the Heytesbury back in those days. Vasse Felix was the pioneer in Margaret River with Dr. Tom Cullity planting vines in 1973. The flagship for VF is now named after him.

Mar 17th, 2020
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

This wine was a deep garnet red. Loved the nose from the start. As some of you might know, we love a slightly stinky nose. It is not off putting to us at all. Nose started off dirty with a slight barnyard nose and moldy/smoked cheese. It developed into charred wood, smoke and a few vegetal notes such as green bell peppers. Heavy tannins (7/10), such a beautiful bite to it that we were not expecting. Solid acidity complemented the tannins and moderate plus body. Slightly savory on the palate with some light vegetal notes. Long and lingering dry finish. Would love to find some of this to buy. If this retailed for the price at Eno Wine Bar, it is still worth that, great QPR! Drink till 2027.

This wine was a deep garnet red. Loved the nose from the start. As some of you might know, we love a slightly stinky nose. It is not off putting to us at all. Nose started off dirty with a slight barnyard nose and moldy/smoked cheese. It developed into charred wood, smoke and a few vegetal notes such as green bell peppers. Heavy tannins (7/10), such a beautiful bite to it that we were not expecting. Solid acidity complemented the tannins and moderate plus body. Slightly savory on the palate with some light vegetal notes. Long and lingering dry finish. Would love to find some of this to buy. If this retailed for the price at Eno Wine Bar, it is still worth that, great QPR! Drink till 2027.

Feb 20th, 2016
David Townsend

Typical of Margaret River, enough herbal aromas to balance ripeness. Wood is well integrated as well. Terrific wine that has a decade of increased brilliance ahead.

Typical of Margaret River, enough herbal aromas to balance ripeness. Wood is well integrated as well. Terrific wine that has a decade of increased brilliance ahead.

Jan 1st, 2015
Big Wave Dave

Lots more depth and complexity with 6 yrs bottle age. Nice

Lots more depth and complexity with 6 yrs bottle age. Nice

Oct 16th, 2015
Johnno Harris

Is in a good spot as a 6YO. Some slight green bean and boot polish notes with a lick of sweet oak on the the tail.

Is in a good spot as a 6YO. Some slight green bean and boot polish notes with a lick of sweet oak on the the tail.

Apr 4th, 2015