Vasse Felix, Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Product Information
Country Australia
Region Margaret River
Grape Variety 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec
Vintage 2021
ABV 14%
Discover the 2021 Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon, an organic Western Australian red wine with vibrant plum and berry flavours, refined tannins, and a smooth finish.
Vintage Overview
The 2021 vintage of Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon reflects a unique growing season marked by variable weather conditions, where our dedication to organic viticulture ensured the cultivation of balanced, high-quality grapes. A cool, wet spring demanded rigorous leaf plucking to reduce disease risk. Fortunately, the warm and dry conditions in December and January allowed the vines to thrive. Canopy management throughout February and March was crucial to maintain vine health during unexpectedly warm and moist weather. Timely rainfall in early February nourished the red varietals, while warm, sunny days helped the Chardonnay achieve optimal ripeness. A second rainfall in March, followed by breezy sunshine, enabled healthy fruit drying and maturation. Thanks to meticulous vineyard management and naturally resilient organic grapes, the 2021 harvest delivered exceptional quality Cabernet Sauvignon with minimal disease.
Winemaker’s Notes
Each batch was gently destemmed and transferred as whole berries to stainless steel rotating fermenters. The fermentation relied exclusively on 100% wild yeast to enhance complexity. After a gentle soak period, fermentation began, with open-top tanks and aeration techniques used to accentuate fresh fruit aromas, soften tannins, and enliven the wine’s character. The wine matured gracefully in fine French oak barrels for 11 months, undergoing limited racking to preserve the delicate wild yeast notes inherent in this low-intervention, organic winemaking style.
Tasting Notes
• Appearance: Bright ruby red with a vibrant purple hue.
• Aroma: Enticing bouquet of blood plum, ripe mulberries, subtle graphite, hints of charred nori, roasted pan drippings, spicy cured meats, and a touch of smoky Hickory sauce.
• Palate: Light to medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh acidity, crisp and sinewy tannins, and a soft, elegant core. Flavours of blood plum, rich berry compote, dusty earthiness, and a subtle hint of nutmeg unfold on the palate, creating a balanced and refined finish.
Vasse Felix was established by Dr Tom Cullity in 1967, making it the first vineyard estate of Margaret River. The river enjoys a great climate and environment that attracts winemakers to it, for which it is also considered one of the finest areas for growing vines in the world.
After working as a successful cardiologist in Australia and Britain, Dr Cullity ventured into winemaking with the exposure gained of the finest wines in Europe. After searching the entire country for a place with red gravel in redgum country, having clay 18 inches below the surface, Dr Cullity settled on a small piece of land, the Vasse Felix home vineyard. There, he planted eight hectares of Houghton clone Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Though he was ridiculed, his persistence led to creating the first wines in the Margaret River area. Dr Tom Cullity is also considered one of the founders of the Margaret River Wine Region. Vasse Felix is driven by the aim of Dr Tom Cullity, to make the best possible wine.
