Vasse Felix, Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Product Information
Country Australia
Region Margaret River
Grape Variety 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec
Vintage 2021
ABV 14%
Buy Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 for a distinctive Margaret River red that combines vibrant dark-fruit character with savoury complexity, fresh acidity, and finely structured tannins. Made by Vasse Felix, Margaret River's founding wine estate, the Filius Cabernet Sauvignon offers an approachable expression of Western Australian Cabernet with the added lift and mid-palate richness of Malbec.
The 2021 vintage is particularly individual. Rather than relying on sheer weight and concentration, it presents a more lifted, linear style, with bright berry fruit, savoury herbal notes, and a firm Cabernet backbone. At 14% ABV, it is a versatile Australian red wine for drinking with food or enjoying on its own.
2021 Vintage Overview
The 2021 growing season brought variable conditions to Margaret River, making careful vineyard management important. A cool, wet spring required attentive canopy management, while warmer, drier conditions through December and January helped the vines develop healthy, concentrated fruit. Further rainfall during February and March, followed by breezy sunshine, supported ripening, and helped maintain fruit health.
The result is a Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 with freshness and definition rather than excessive richness. This gives Filius a character distinct from warmer, more opulent vintages: expect a brighter, more savoury profile with refreshing acidity and a gently structured finish.
Vasse Felix's 2021 Filius combines 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Malbec, with the Malbec contributing attractive fruit character and roundness. The wine was fermented using wild yeast and matured in French oak for 11 months, reflecting the estate's low-intervention approach.
Tasting Notes: Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
In the glass, the wine shows a bright ruby-red colour with a purple hue.
The nose opens with blood plum and ripe mulberry, followed by graphite, charred nori, savoury meat, dried earth, and subtle spice. These maritime and herbal nuances give the wine the distinctive savoury character associated with Margaret River Cabernet.
On the palate, the 2021 Filius is light to medium-bodied, with fresh acidity and crisp, sinewy tannins surrounding a soft fruit core. Blood plum and berry flavours develop into a gently earthy finish with hints of nutmeg and savoury spice.
This is an Australian Cabernet for drinkers who prefer freshness, elegance, and savoury complexity to overtly sweet or heavily oaked red wine.
Wine Critics' Scores & Reviews
The 2021 vintage received recognition from several leading wine critics:
• 93 points – Wine Spectator: praised for its concentrated, stylish character, with raspberry, black cherry, porcini, toasted herbs, sandalwood, and espresso nuances.
• 91 points – James Suckling: noted blackcurrant, green bean, sage, and mint alongside firm youthful tannins.
• 91 points – Robert Parker Wine Advocate: described a lighter-framed 2021 style with red fruit, bay leaf, maritime salt, saltbush, and raspberry characteristics.
These reviews underline what makes this vintage different: the 2021 Filius is a fresher, more linear expression of Margaret River Cabernet, rewarding drinkers who enjoy savoury detail and structure.
Food Pairing: What to Eat with Filius Cabernet Sauvignon
The wine's fresh acidity, dark fruit and savoury tannins make it an excellent match for hearty dishes. Try it with:
• Rare or medium-rare ribeye steak
• Roast beef with rosemary and jus
• Slow-cooked beef short ribs
• Roast or grilled lamb
• Beef burgers with mature cheddar
• Mushroom and lentil dishes
• Aged Cheddar or other mature hard cheeses
For the best experience, serve slightly below room temperature and allow the wine some time in the glass to open.
About Vasse Felix
Founded by Dr Tom Cullity in 1967, Vasse Felix was the first vineyard and winery established in Margaret River. The estate has played a defining role in establishing the region's reputation for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock has led the winemaking team since 2006 and is particularly known for her work with wild-yeast fermentation and expressive Margaret River wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon a good wine?
A. Yes. The 2021 Filius is an appealing choice for lovers of fresh, savoury Australian Cabernet. Its combination of dark fruit, acidity, fine tannins, and Margaret River character makes it particularly versatile with food.
Q. What does Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
A. The 2021 vintage shows blood plum, mulberry and berry flavours alongside graphite, dried herbs, savoury spice, and earthy nuances. It is light to medium-bodied with fresh acidity and firm but elegant tannins.
Q. What food goes with Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon?
A. It works especially well with steak, roast beef, lamb, beef short ribs, burgers, and mature hard cheeses.
Q. Is the 2021 Filius Cabernet Sauvignon different from other vintages?
A. Yes. The 2021 vintage is comparatively fresh and linear, with pronounced savoury character and firm Cabernet structure rather than the richer, denser profile found in some warmer vintages.
