Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Vasse Felix
Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Margaret River
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot

This Cabernet Sauvignon is aromatic and layered, with notes of forest fruits, savory nuances, and a minerally edge, capturing the unique character of Wilyabrup’s terroir.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 94 2020
WS Wine Spectator 93 2020
W&S Wines & Spirits 93 2020
JS James Suckling 92 2020
WE Wine Enthusiast 90 2020
DCT Decanter 94 2019
JH James Halliday 94 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 93 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River, the vineyard parcels for this Cabernet Sauvignon are planted on well-drained gravel loam soils—an ideal terroir for Cabernet due to its ability to promote both varietal purity and structural finesse. The 2020 growing season was marked by early spring development and a warm start to summer, leading to fine, dry conditions that extended through the season. This climate encouraged early ripening, concentrating the flavors and preserving fresh acidity. An ideal Marri blossom timing minimized bird pressure, and late February rains refreshed the vines, allowing for an extended harvest that supported optimal tannin and flavor maturation.

The blend includes 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced by 13% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot. These complementary varieties add complexity—Malbec for depth and richness, Petit Verdot for tannic structure, and Merlot for additional softness—creating a layered and balanced profile that highlights the Wilyabrup terroir.

Winemaking

Winemaking for the 2020 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon emphasizes the wine’s natural complexity and regional expression. The grapes were fermented with wild yeast as whole berries, a technique that promotes a refined and aromatic profile. Fermentation occurred in a mix of vessels—43% in static fermenters, 38% in rotary fermenters, and 19% in open-top fermenters—each contributing unique structural and textural elements. The wine spent 13 to 30 days on skins to achieve the desired level of tannic refinement and aromatic depth.

After fermentation, the wine matured in French oak barriques for 18 months, with 33% new oak and the remaining in 1 to 4-year-old barrels. This oak regimen enhances the wine’s complexity without overpowering the fruit, preserving its elegant character. Basket and air bag presses were used, allowing gentle extraction for a smooth and balanced tannin profile.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with a purple hue.
  • Aroma: Bright forest fruits with blackberry depth, enhanced by hints of baked bread crust, tomato-herb focaccia, black truffle, and a mineral complexity reminiscent of granite and ocean spray.
  • Palate: Juicy and intense, with lush dark fruits balanced by fine, powdery tannins. The palate is vibrant and taut, showing concentrated raspberry, vanilla, and savory nutmeg on the finish.

Did you know?

The Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon is the estate’s premier Cabernet, representing the archetypal style of Margaret River Cabernet. Since its first vintage in 1972, this wine has set a standard for elegance and ageability in Australian Cabernet, making it a benchmark for the region and a favorite among collectors.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Roast beef with rosemary and garlic: The wine’s tannic structure and savory notes complement the richness of the roast.
  • Truffle risotto: The earthy, truffle notes in the wine enhance the umami flavors in the risotto, creating a harmonious pairing.
  • Braised short ribs: The depth and structure of the Cabernet cut through the richness of the meat, while its acidity balances the dish’s savory elements.
  • Aged cheddar: The firm structure and dark fruit notes of the wine contrast with the creamy, tangy character of the cheese.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2020)
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is both earthy and mineral on the nose, with gravel and petrichor, graphite and iodine, raspberry, nori, layers of pomegranate molasses and black cherry. The wine reveals its 2020 vintage roots via the compact framework of tannin and lush red/purple core of fruit. Through the finish, it is possessed of two things in harmony: savory, chewy/ductile/agile tannins and a red jubey character.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2020)
Offers wild berry flavors that are plush and elegant, mingling with notes of forest floor, sage, dried mushroom and palo santo, plus a touch of peppermint oil. The tannins are supple and creamy, with an elegant yet powerful profile.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 93 Points (2020)
Sugar plum scents introduce this salty, oceanic cabernet, a good, healthy wine with waves of currant fruit. The savory dark fruit keeps the wine lifted out of its tannins, which provide grip in the end and continue to yield fruit as they last.

James Suckling (JS) : 92 Points (2020)
Blackcurrants, sage and hints of fresh herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied. Firm tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Linear and delicious. Drink now

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 90 Points (2020)
Heady notes of sweetly spiced oak and chocolate mingle with cassis, violet and mint. Tannins are a little chunky, and acid- ity is pinched, but there’s lovely savory spice and red fruit tang right through to the finish. A solid, youthful Cab bearing the classic Vasse style, but this reviewer recommends paying a bit extra for the winery’s self-named middle tier bottling.

Decanter (DCT) : 94 Points (2019)
Clean, elegant liquorice and blackberry nose, with mint, dried herbs and lush fruit on the mid palate. It's ripe and full, with firm but fine tannins. Blend : 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot

James Halliday (JH) : 94 Points (2019)
With 7.5/2/0.5% malbec/petit verdot/cabernet franc. 100% wild ferment, matured for 18 months in French oak (44% new, the balance 1–2+yo), unfined. The 2019 vintage was cool, largely responsible for a tranche of very precise, perfumed cabernet sauvignons. Aniseed, kelp, bitter chocolate, blackberry and all things midnight. Rich and savoury – the fruit is bolstered by firm graphite tannins. The length of flavour, coupled with Willcock's proven pedigree in this field, tell us what we want to know about longevity: always back bluechip. The fruit is encased in tannin right now: if you plan to drink in the short term you must decant. This will go far. (3/2022)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 93 Points (2019)
This classically style 2019 Bordeaux blend brings together largely Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec and Petit Verdot plus a splash of Cabernet Franc. It's currently reserved and understated with a beautiful blend of blackcurrant and leathery aromas with a bright lift of violets and superbly integrated oak. A punchy, energetic palate follows with intense mulberry, blackcurrant and cedar flavours with a firm base of tannins. A long, strong finish suggests that time will only make it better. (6/2022)

Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2022
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2022
Vasse Felix
Heytesbury Chardonnay 2022
RP
97
WE
96
DCT
97
A benchmark Australian Chardonnay, the Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2022 showcases the precision and power of Margaret River’s terroir. The wine delivers an expressive interplay of minerality, depth, and elegance, offering a refined and structured experience.
77,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2021
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2021
Vasse Felix
Filius Chardonnay 2021
JS
93
RP
90
WE
93
Vasse Felix Chardonnay is typified by its bright, elegant fruit, subtle wild complexities and a tight acid structure, reflecting the vibrancy and purity of this variety in Margaret River. ‘Filius’ translates to ‘son of’ in Latin, reflecting the relationship between this wine and its premier ‘father’.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2022
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2022
Vasse Felix
Chardonnay 2022
WS
91
RP
94
JH
95
The 2022 Vasse Felix Chardonnay is a quintessential Margaret River Chardonnay, combining elegance and power with layers of wild complexity.
34,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Vasse Felix
Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
WS
93
WE
90
W&S
90
Crafted primarily from 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, with contributions from 10% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, this wine embodies the quality-driven, minimal intervention ethos of Vasse Felix.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec 2018
Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec 2018
Vasse Felix
Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec 2018
W&S
94
JH
99
WE
97
Vasse Felix, Margaret River's founding wine estate, was established by Dr Thomas Brendan Cullity in 1967. Among his first plantings were Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec vines, from which he produced the estate’s first red wine. The Tom Cullity descends from these original vines and represents the pinnacle of Vasse Felix.
135,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
41,00 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
Australia
93 Wine Spectator
Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Crafted primarily from 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, with contributions from 10% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, this wine embodies the quality-driven, minimal intervention ethos of Vasse Felix.
Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
24,90 €
Australia
97 Wine Enthusiast
Chambers Rosewood Grand Muscat
Chambers Rosewood Grand Muscat
A masterpiece of balance and depth, this Grand Muscat offers a kaleidoscope of flavors, textures, and aromas, making it a true icon of Australian fortified wines.
Grand Muscat
63,90 €
USA
91 Wine Spectator
Caymus Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Caymus Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and iconic wine, embodying the essence of Napa Valley with its rich, structured profile and a smooth, fruit-forward style.
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
120,00 €
Austria
94 Robert Parker
Martin Muthenthaler Vergelt's Gott Gruner Veltliner 2019
Martin Muthenthaler Vergelt's Gott Gruner Veltliner 2019
Crafted by Martin Muthenthaler, a master of low-intervention winemaking, this Grüner Veltliner displays a harmonious balance between ripe fruit flavors and a mineral-driven structure, making it a standout in its class.
Vergelt's Gott Gruner Veltliner 2019
46,90 €
Australia
95+ Robert Parker
Two Hands Coach House Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
Two Hands Coach House Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
A striking expression of Barossa Valley Shiraz, the Coach House Block bursts with concentrated dark fruit, powerful tannins, and a bold structure, delivering an intense yet refined drinking experience.
Coach House Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
71,90 €
USA
93 Wine Enthusiast
Far Niente EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir 2022
Far Niente EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir 2022
EnRoute Pinot Noir "Les Pommiers" delivers a refined expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, featuring fresh red berry compote flavors, delicate notes of spice, and a smooth texture, all balanced by a mouthwatering acidity and elegant tannins.
EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir 2022
75,00 €