PV Tasting Notes
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Expressive and rather vibrant on the nose; black raspberry, blueberry, bay laurel, high pitched violets and deeply layered liquorice are all displayed beautifully. Deep, silky and compellingly sweet, but with bracing acidity that’s edging on being almost intrusive today; This does have a terrific texture and inner palate energy, with already inherent complexity that would shame many and (I think) all other wines in this price range. Whilst there is “no doubt” in my mind that this “can and will” be enjoyed early by many, this is youthfully taught with redcurrant, cherry, and a floral pastille profile and even a few hours in the glass brought out more serious tannins and complex soil and tobacco tones, finishes with hints of chocolate and chalk. Tasted April 2010
For me this is remarkable given the lowly price, and especially with the strength of the Aussi Dollar, a few years in the cellar will bring out the true essence of this superstar Cabernet wine.
Re-tasted July 2011,
The colour is brick red/maroon. This wine is still fairly tight and restrained but bursting with potential and demands very serious attention. Aroma’s are intensely varietal, with oodles of mineral and also quite savoury, from the strong base of blackberry fruit supporting layers of lifted pot pouri, violets with sage and bay leaf which are enhanced by a lovely lick of spicy vanillin French Oak. The wine enters the mouth smoothly with a supreme elegance and simply glides across the palate, blackcurrant, graphite, honeyed tobacco leaf, spice box, cocoa and more are all present in this deep, full bodied, concentrated and powerful wine. However the ultra fine tannins and acidity are still a touch high and it really needs some more time in bottle to fully come together, I left this bottle open for 36 hours and by then it was showing a glossy texture and opulent personality to the magnificent fruit core with enough well concealed stuffing to evolve for another 5 or more years, it should drink well for easily two decades. The finish is superb and long with the deftly applied oak handling simply adding to its sophistication.
Independent Review95 Points James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011 Edition
Best of the Best by Variety
Essency regional bouquet relying on fruit purity rather than oak to provide an alluring array of aromas; red fruit and cedar are gracefully supported by fine, almost silky tannins; elegant, long and harmonious to conclude."
95 Points Ray Jordan's 2011 WA Wine Guide
The difference between this vintage and the previous outstanding vintage is evident from the first sniff to the last sip. I think this will be remembered as the pick of two outstanding wines. Its control and effortlessly long palate structure are classically cabernet. Not the same obvious primary fruit but instead there is more subtlety and finesse in a wine of great poise and elegance."
95/100 Tyson Stelzer, WBM (Aus)
Mortgage the house, flog the car, sell the kids and pack the cellar to the rafters with 2008 MR! Vasse is impeccable, aromatic, structured and persistent."
Distinguished - Langtons Classification of Australian Wine V - 2011
This wine captures varietal character, whilst articulating the hallmarks of the Wilyabrup sub region. Batch vinification occurs in rotary and open fermenters. Some components are given extended maceration or partially barrel fermented in new and seasoned French oak barriques. The wine is matured in the same oak for 15 - 18 months. It shows cranberry and blackcurrant aromas, cedary complexity, fruit sweetness and a lacy tannin structure.
94 Points Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh, the Big Red wine Book 2011.
Classic Margaret River cabernet sauvignon. Power and focus but prettiness too - like an athlete in casual clothes. Blackcurrant, redcurrant, cocoa, perfumed dried herbs. Fairly rich and chocolatey but a real feeling of freshness. Excellent acid balance. Plenty of length. Tip top.
93 Points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate Oct 2010.
Of the same blend is the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, revealing a deep garnet-purple color and pretty perfume of cassis, violets, espresso, cassia and dried herbs. Crisp, structured and very fine, this rich, full bodied vintage gives layers of fruit and spice in the very long finish. Drink it 2012-2019+.
If you've never before experienced Vasse Felix, it's perhaps not too surprising. They only export about 7% of their 150,000 cases produced. Though one of the pioneers of the region and home to Western Australia's oldest vineyard planted in 1967 by Dr. Tom Cullity, today this estate remains one of Australia's treasures. Amongst the finest wineries in this area, the wines are definitely worth the hunt. Virginia Willcock has been at the winemaking helm here for the last four years and has quickly developed a sensitivity and skill for handling the fruit off this property's very special vineyards. Look out for the Sauvignon Semillon, Chardonnay and Cabernet Merlot in the Australian Wine Values report as these little gems are absolute bargains. Meanwhile, at the top of the range there's not a duff wine in the lot.