This wine comes from the northern part of Margaret River where optimal ripeness is assured. Maturation in French oak barriques provides complexity to this generous, elegant and structured wine. The dry tannin structure of Cabernet Sauvignon is mellowed by the soft generous body of Merlot. A small amount of Malbec accentuates both varieties providing depth of colour, aroma, flavour and structure.
Vintage Description
Another text-book vintage in Margaret River with consistent, almost rhythmic temperature patterns throughout the ripening season, resulting in excellent balance and physiological ripeness of fruit. Reasonable yields were obtained despite a handful of blocks being exposed to heavy storms in Spring reducing their cropping potential, but overall quality is excellent.
92 points
There is a complex, savoury background to the berry fruits, bay leaf, black olive and dried herbs all present. Blackcurrant and redcurrant are in the party from the word go, but you have to carefully watch who does what.
5 Stars
This is another great Aussie red, but this time from the Northern parts of the Margaret River. The winery was named after a legendary helmsman Thomas Timothèe Vasse who was lost at sea in 1801 and rumored to have lived among the Australian Aboriginals. The winery, established in the late 1960s by Dr Tom Cullity, was named Vasse Felix, meaning 'lucky/happy' Vasse. The long hot Aussie summer with consistent, almost rhythmic temperature patterns throughout the ripening season has ensured optimum ripeness and delivered a beautifully rounded blend. The touch of merlot delivers a deep maroon colour and with gorgeous complexities provided by maturation in French oak barriques. With elevated bright perfumes of pomegranate, cassis and a cranberry jelly with rustic earthy tones of native Australian forest and red dust. The enticing complexity shows a touch of tomato leaf, cumin and steamed cedar wood. The palette has a lovely vibrant entrance with fresh juicy fruit, bright acidity, fine tight dry tannins and floral and cranberry nuances. A long, direct palate flows, finishing with savoury notes of sage and dried oregano and some raspberry jelly sweetness.
Delicious, elegant, fragrant
One of my favourite mainstream Aussie producers. My notes read 'Delicious, elegant, fragrant, velvety - why drink Bordeaux?' Why indeed at this price? Pair with roast lamb.