#WW 2010 Vasse Felix Cabernet, Margaret River Western Australia,

Winemaker Virginia Willcock spreading the word.

Margaret River is the major geographical indication wine region in southwest Western Australia, with 5,017 hectares under vine and over 215 wineries. Vasse Felix winery was established in 1967 by pioneer Dr Thomas Cullity and is the founding wine estate of Margaret River.

Margaret River area experiences the unique combination of a Mediterranean climate, maritime influence and perfect soils for viticulture. Together, these conditions are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The low diurnal and seasonal temperature range means an unusually even accumulation of warmth. Overall the climate is similar to that of Bordeaux in a dry vintage. Although the region produces just three percent of total Australian grape production, it produces over 20 percent of Australia's premium wine market.

The winery is in sorts named after Thomas Timothee Vasse who was a French sailor who was washed of the boat during an expedition off Western Australia’s south-west cape in 1801. His disappearance documented by the French explorers in their records, unofficially naming the area ‘Unhappy Vasse.’Dr Cullity was hopeful that his vineyard nearby the fateful site would enjoy a better fate so he bestowed it with the name Vasse Felix (latin for ‘lucky Vasse’). Ironically, Felix was also the middle name of the expedition’s Captain Hamelin.

Hearing that winemaker Virginia Willcock of Vasse Felix would be at Southern Latitudes Wines in the Crossroads Shopping center in Carmel California pouring her wine we could not resist stopping by for a chat. Oh and of course a taste or three. Then maybe a glass or so. 

Tasting the two Chardonnays we were impressed. Tasting the Cabernet and well, bottles were purchased

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
This Margaret River benchmark wine has been made every vintage since 1972. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 1.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and nurtured in 100% French oak for 18 months (51% new, 49% 1-4 year old)

Rumour has it that this Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon expresses the intense and succulent, yet refined and structured style for which Margaret River Cabernet is known. This was a great drinking well structured and well integrated wine. Great nose with violets, black currants, dark Chocolate and some vanila. On the palate the dark fruit is just delicious with blackberry being the one that stood out. Fine tannins and a long soft finish keeps you going back for more.

An 8 on the scale and ***.

Thanks to the ladies at Southern Latitude Wines for the invite (our local source for Southern Hemisphere wines) and to Virginia for putting up with our silly questions and constant begging for more wine.

Happy Wine Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala