Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

James Halliday rating: 92

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 3% Shiraz The philosophy behind Vasse Felix Cabernet is to blend from various growers from sub-regions within the Margaret River Region to provide differences in terms of tannin structure, fruit profile and overall quality. When these sub-regions are blended we create a true Margaret River Regional' style, and provide more consistency from year to year. The small portion of Merlot and Malbec help soften the tannin profile on the palate and give a perfumed floral lift to the nose. A classic Cabernet nose, complex and integrated with read more...spice, dried herbs, minerals and ripe blackberry fruits offering substantial support.The warm, dry vintage conditions are reflected in the ripe redcurrant and juicy blackberry fruits found on the palate. Dark orange chocolates and dried mint flecks, a signature trait of Willyabrup Cabernet shine through. The outstanding 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 3% Shiraz) spent 18 months in two-thirds French and one-third a combination of American and Hungarian oak. An opaque purple color accompanies classic aromatics of asphalt, black currants, vanillin, flowers, underbrush, and new saddle leather. This seriously-endowed effort reveals supple tannin as well as a degree of accessibility, but it should age nicely for 10-12 years.- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate    (hide)

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 3% Shiraz The philosophy behind Vasse Felix Cabernet is to blend from various growers from sub-regions within the Margaret River Region to provide differences in terms of tannin structure, fruit profile and overall quality. When these sub-regions are blended we create a true Margaret River ‘Regional' style, and provide more consistency from year to year. The small portion of Merlot and Malbec help soften the tannin profile on the palate and give a perfumed floral lift to the nose. A classic Cabernet nose, complex and integrated read more...with spice, dried herbs, minerals and ripe blackberry fruits offering substantial support.The warm, dry vintage conditions are reflected in the ripe redcurrant and juicy blackberry fruits found on the palate. Dark orange chocolates and dried mint flecks, a signature trait of Willyabrup Cabernet shine through. The outstanding 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 3% Shiraz) spent 18 months in two-thirds French and one-third a combination of American and Hungarian oak. An opaque purple color accompanies classic aromatics of asphalt, black currants, vanillin, flowers, underbrush, and new saddle leather. This seriously-endowed effort reveals supple tannin as well as a degree of accessibility, but it should age nicely for 10-12 years.- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate    (hide)

Rating: 3/5 - As reviewed by Decanter Clean, fresh nose, lifted cassis, earthy note. Good length, well rounded, soft, silky tannins. Drink up to 2009.

The Wine Advocate rating: 90

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 161 on Oct-05