Region and Vineyards
Located in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia, Vasse Felix is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool sea breezes and moderate rainfall, providing an ideal environment for Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s gravelly loam soils contribute to the wine’s structure and depth, allowing the vines to develop rich, concentrated fruit with a distinct regional identity.
The 2020 vintage was exceptional, producing low yields of stunning quality. A warm start to summer was followed by fine, dry conditions, ensuring excellent ripeness and concentration. Late-season cooling extended the harvest period, allowing for ideal tannin development and preservation of vibrant fruit flavors.
Winemaking
The 2020 Filius Cabernet Sauvignon underwent meticulous, minimal-intervention winemaking. The fruit was destemmed and fermented as whole berries using 100% wild yeast, capturing the wine’s natural complexity. Gentle techniques, including open-top fermentation and aeration, were employed to enhance fruit purity, soften tannins, and create a lively, aromatic profile.
Following fermentation, the wine spent an average of 15 months in French oak barriques (1–5 years old), which added subtle oak influence without overwhelming the fresh fruit character. The result is a balanced, vibrant Cabernet with refined tannins and integrated flavors.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Light garnet, highlighting its bright and youthful nature.
- Aroma: A layered bouquet of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant jam, and red currant, interwoven with floral notes of wild peppermint blossom and savoury nuances like shiitake soup and wakame seaweed.
- Palate: Juicy and approachable, with intense dark fruit flavors of silken berry purée and fresh acidity. The finish is soft and powdery, with lingering blackberry and gentle tannins.
Did You Know?
The Filius range translates to “son” in Latin, symbolizing its role as a younger, more accessible sibling to the premium Vasse Felix range while retaining the estate’s signature quality and precision.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Boeuf à la Bourguignonne: The wine’s bright fruit and savoury complexity complement the rich, slow-cooked flavors of this classic French dish.
- Magret de Canard aux Baies: The fruity notes of blackberry and blackcurrant enhance the flavors of duck breast served with a berry reduction.
- Gratin d’Aubergines: The wine’s savoury undertones pair beautifully with the roasted vegetable flavors and creamy textures of this Mediterranean dish.
- Côtes d’Agneau Grillées: The structure and dark fruit of the Cabernet enhance the charred richness of grilled lamb chops.
