Vasse Felix 'Filius' Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia

Bright and energetic, the 2022 Vasse Felix ‘Filius’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers an approachable yet authentically Margaret River expression, shaped by the estate’s minimal-intervention philosophy and a cool, low-yielding vintage. Blended with a touch of Malbec, this youthful Cabernet captures the varietal’s core characteristics—structure, perfume, and poise—while offering early-drinking appeal. The season's mild conditions and rapid veraison allowed for fine tannin development and purity of flavor, particularly in this more fruit-forward bottling.

Product Details

• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Vintage: 2022
• Varietal Composition: 90.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.6% Malbec
• Alcohol: 14.0% ABV
• pH: 3.54
• Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 1.1 g/L
• Fermentation: 100% wild yeast; 100% whole berry
• Fermentation Vessel: 98.5% roto fermenters, 1.5% static ferment
• Time on Skins: Average of 15 days
• Pressing: Pneumatic bag press
• Maturation: 11 months in French oak barriques (100% 1–5 years old)
• Bottled: July 2023
• Vegan Friendly: Yes
• Production Volume: Produced at scale by a leading regional estate

Sensory Description
In the glass, the 2022 Filius Cabernet shows a deep garnet hue with a ruby edge, setting the stage for a nose layered with blood plum, cassis, graphite, bay laurel, cedar, and subtle charcuterie spice. On the palate, it offers silky textures and ripe berry purity, supported by bright acidity and fine, powdery tannins. The finish is smooth and dry, lingering with flavors of dark chocolate and violet. The vintage's mild conditions preserved elegance and freshness, while the minimal handling preserved wild ferment complexity and lifted aromatics.

Winemaker's Background
Founded in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr. Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix is Margaret River’s founding wine estate and a benchmark for quality-driven Western Australian Cabernet. Today, the estate is still family-owned and led by Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock, whose tenure since 2006 has championed low-intervention practices and expressive site-driven wines. Willcock, one of Australia’s most acclaimed female winemakers, has elevated Vasse Felix’s reputation globally through a philosophy rooted in wild fermentation, precise vineyard management, and transparent winemaking. The Filius range serves as an accessible introduction to the house style, without compromising complexity or integrity.

Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F, to accentuate the wine’s aromatic lift and velvety texture. Ideal pairings include rosemary roast chicken, grilled lamb burgers, or lentil and mushroom shepherd’s pie. A must-try for fans of vibrant, medium-bodied Cabernets, this wine also rewards short-term cellaring and offers excellent value as a cellar-friendly, food-loving red.