2022 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon
2022 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon

2022 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon

95 pts
Vasse Felix |Margaret River |Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic Margaret River Cabernet from old vines in Wilyabrup - structured, savoury, and built to age, but approachable now.
Price:
$44.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
Rendering loop-subscriptions

Description

Vasse Felix has been at the heart of Margaret River Cabernet since 1967, and this 2022 release is another solid hit. It’s made from old vines grown in Wilyabrup’s classic gravelly soils - perfect Cabernet country. The season delivered low yields but concentrated fruit, and it shows in the depth and character of this wine.

It’s got all the hallmarks of great Margaret River Cabernet—dark berries, a hint of graphite, and some savoury edges thanks to a splash of Malbec in the mix. The tannins are fine but firm, giving it plenty of structure, and the finish is long and dry. It’s got the bones to age beautifully, but there’s enough fruit and balance to crack into it earlier if you can’t wait.

This is what Vasse Felix does best: classic, powerful Cabernet that’s true to its place and made to last.

95 points
"There’s a certain elegance and vitality to this, giving it an edge."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
Jane Faulkner

Jane Faulkner

Halliday Wine Companion 95 Points

On the one hand this seems approachable and complete, so it’s drinking superbly; but, on the other hand, there’s structure and detail with a framework of fine tannins and acidity, ensuring this will garner more complexity in time. Go ahead and enjoy its violets, mulberries and blackberries, raspberry leaf, dousing of licorice, oak spices and black olives with some dark mint-chocolate, too, with plenty of savouriness throughout. There’s a certain elegance and vitality to this, giving it an edge.

Ryan Montgomery

Ryan Montgomery

James Suckling 94 Points

The nose is lifted and perfumed with an underlying power, giving aromas of blackcurrants, potpourri, graphite and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of boysenberries, wild blackberries, mulberries and dried herbs. Very focused and generous, with a firmly integrated structure. Made from 89% cabernet sauvignon, 10% malbec and 1% merlot.

Stuart Knox

Stuart Knox

The Real Review 95 Points

Full ruby-red colour. Blackcurrant, tobacco leaf and cedar aromatics. Medium bodied with a bright intensity of black fruits at the core. Cigar box, dried tobacco, graphite and black olive savouries all meld with the fruit to create a harmonious palate that is guided with persistent, finely wrought tannins. Phenomenal length and precision into the finish. This is a delight to drink now, and as a classic cabernet it will cellar very well.

95 points - "Full ruby-red colour. Blackcurrant, tobacco leaf and cedar aromatics. Medium bodied with a bright intensity of black fruits at the core. Cigar box, dried tobacco, graphite and black olive savouries all meld with the fruit to create a harmonious palate that is guided with persistent, finely wrought tannins. Phenomenal length and precision into the finish. This is a delight to drink now, and as a classic cabernet it will cellar very well." - Stuart Knox (The Real Review)

95 points - "On the one hand this seems approachable and complete, so it’s drinking superbly; but, on the other hand, there’s structure and detail with a framework of fine tannins and acidity, ensuring this will garner more complexity in time. Go ahead and enjoy its violets, mulberries and blackberries, raspberry leaf, dousing of licorice, oak spices and black olives with some dark mint-chocolate, too, with plenty of savouriness throughout. There’s a certain elegance and vitality to this, giving it an edge." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

94 points - "The nose is lifted and perfumed with an underlying power, giving aromas of blackcurrants, potpourri, graphite and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of boysenberries, wild blackberries, mulberries and dried herbs. Very focused and generous, with a firmly integrated structure. Made from 89% cabernet sauvignon, 10% malbec and 1% merlot." - JamesSuckling.com

Vasse Felix Premier Cabernet Sauvignon
The premier Cabernet Sauvignon of Vasse Felix, crafted every year since 1972. As Margaret River’s original Cabernet, each vintage embodies a faithful pursuit of excellence, purity, and wine artistry. This Cabernet is an archetypal expression of the region, showcasing elegance, power, and ageability.

Appearance
Bright, deep garnet.

Nose
Concentrated and complex aromas unfold with dark berry coulis and raspberry pip, interwoven with graphite, wet stones, and dry forest floor. Floral hints of everlastings and potpourri emerge, alongside subtle notes of liquorice, star anise, and charcoal. Depth is added with nuances of saddle leather, wax, vanilla, and cedar.

Palate
The wine opens with a fresh, delicate entry that leads into a fleshy core elevated by buoyant acidity. Medium-bodied with a mouth-filling tension, it reveals vibrant complexity—blueberry skin, dark chocolate, and firm tannins build towards a long, dry finish. It exudes confidence, reminiscent of a warm yet assured handshake.

Winemaker Comments
Cabernet parcels from Wilyabrup, situated on ancient, well-drained gravel loam soils, produce a wine of great varietal purity and character. Each vineyard section was individually fermented using indigenous yeasts, with some parcels experiencing maceration for up to 34 days. Traditional oxidative handling and extended maceration help define the distinct personality of each site. Malbec continues to be a valuable component, enhancing the complexity of the Cabernet.

Vintage Description
A cool, winter-like spring delayed vine growth, with significant rainfall in October. A dry, warm summer with sustained warmth through December, January, and February, influenced by a La Niña season, led to a rapid ripening period for white varieties. Red varietals, including Cabernet, experienced warm and rapid veraison in early February, resulting in ripe, concentrated flavours. Despite low yields due to challenging spring conditions, fruit quality remained high, with elegant and concentrated flavours.

Winemaking Details
Varieties: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 1% Merlot
Harvested: 16 March – 18 April 2022
Pressing: 81% Basket Press, 19% Air Bag Press
Fermentation: 100% wild yeast, 100% whole berry
Fermentation Vessel: 86% Stainless Steel, 14% Alternate Vessels (Open Oak Vat, Concrete Egg, Cocciopesto)
Time on Skins: 11–32 days (average 18 days)
Maturation: 225L French oak barriques (34% new, 66% 1–5 years old)
Maturation Period: 19 months (18 months in oak, 1 month blended in tank)
Bottled: 28 November 2023
Wine Analysis
TA: 6.4 g/L
pH: 3.47
Malic Acid: 0.08 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.54 g/L
Alcohol: 14.5%
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Cellaring
Capable of cellaring for 20+ years, developing into a savoury, elegant aged Cabernet Sauvignon.





Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type Red
Body Full Bodied
Variety Cabernet Sauvignon
Country Australia
Region Margaret River
Australian State WA
Feature High Score
Reviewed By The Real Review
James Suckling
Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 95
94
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2022
Closure Screw Cap

Others also liked

Recently viewed

Common Questions

Delivery is free on orders of $150 or more.

For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.

We will dispatch your order the same or next business day.

Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.

No sorry we do not have a store front and pickup is not available.

Yes, no problem. When placing your order select ‘Store at Different Drop and Delivery Later’ as your shipping method or reply to the order confirmation email after placing your order with additional instructions.

We stock three different sized gift boxes (single, three bottle and six), all are available for purchase for a flat rate of $8. They look great and make an awesome impression.

To add a gift box to your order, simply add at checkout. The special requests box is your friend, please give us as many details of what you are looking for and we will try our best, or get in contact to discuss it with you. 

If you want to bulk order gifts or if you have any trouble please email hello@differentdrop.com or call and we can try and help.

 

Our warehouse is automated so unless you tell us otherwise, we will ship your order. If you would like us to hold your order please reply to the order confirmation email after placing your order and we are happy to store your order for up to 6 months at no charge. You can review our heat policy here.

Yes, of course. We want Different Drop customers to always be getting the best price. You can see our price match policy here.

No, feel free to mix it up! There is no minimum requirement. You can order wines in any quantity or combination, 1 or 50+ bottles.

No, all prices are set at the full discounted dozen rate already.

If you can't add more wine to your cart it means we are low on stock of that wine. For example, if you are only able to 3 bottles and no more that means we only have 3 bottles left of that wine. If it's a must have, please contact us and we may be able to order more in for you.

Need a hand?

We’d love to help you out! Most questions can be sorted quickly through our Help Centre or by dropping us a line on chat or email. If it’s something urgent or you just really want to have a yarn about wine, food, or even the meaning of life, give us a call — we’re here for you.

Regular Enquiries

hello@differentdrop.com

Urgent Enquiries

02 8376 8775