2021 Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River

#2 Wine Spectator Top 10 Values of 2023: “Margaret River Cabernets are remarkable for their combination of elegant structure and juicy fruit flavors, with the best among them demonstrating a particular finesse. Vasse Felix is a pioneer in the region, commanding more than 50 years of winemaking—and, under the leadership of chief winemaker Virginia Willcock, the wines have never been better. The Filius line of Vasse Felix wines is meant to be approachable while young. For this bottling, Margaret River Cabernet is blended with Malbec from estate vineyards. Willcock employs wild-yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters, resulting in expressive aromatics and soft tannins, followed by 11 months of aging in French oak barrels before blending. When Willcock first started experimenting with indigenous fermentation, what she found was ‘mind-blowing,’ with the wines showing more heart, soul and earth than ever before. ‘We’re finding that the wines are more naturally sound,’ she says. ‘There is more vibrancy to the fruit.’” – MaryAnn Worobiec (February 2024) “Stunning and complex, this stylish, concentrated red offers pure raspberry puree and black cherry flavors that show details of earthy dried porcini mushroom, along with notes of toasted herbs, sandalwood and espresso bean. The long finish reveals firming tannins, but they remain polished and effortless. Drink now through 2038.” – MaryAnn Worobiec Review Date: December 2023