The Premier Cabernet Sauvignon of Vasse Felix, made every year since 1972. The 2023 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Malbec from gravelly Wilyabrup parcels, matured 18 months in French barriques, about a third of them new.
Deep, near-black colour. Blackcurrant and mulberry lead, with black olive, red liquorice, bay leaf, cigar box and a touch of earth. Mid-weight and seamless, with sweet dark fruit at the core, cedar and tobacco, and firm, fine-grained tannin tightening a long finish. 14% alcohol.
97 points, Ray Jordan. 96 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion. 96 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review.
Drink 2026 to 2036. Decant for an hour if opening young. Rack of lamb, aged beef or mushrooms.
