2018 Vasse Felix 'Premier' Cabernet Sauvignon

The Premier Cabernet Sauvignon of Vasse Felix. This wine’s distinctive style possesses all the hallmarks of the finest Margaret River Cabernet; elegance, generosity and ageability. Made every year since 1972, it is Margaret River’s archetypal Cabernet Sauvignon. (Vasse Felix.com)

96 points – Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
Not enough can be said in favour of the 2018 vintage, producing wines just like this. Powerfully ripe and dense, with epic length of flavour. This is a structural and concentrated cabernet capable of decades of graceful evolution in the cellar. Wild raspberry, salted licorice, aniseed, pomegranate, ferrous and kelp. Saline acid. It comes in at under $50, and long may that continue, for it is one of the great-value premium wines of the region.

96 points - Ray Jordan, The West Australian
Oh, my. What a stunning wine, made more stunning when you can get it for less than $50. Deep and concentrated power delivered with integrated elegance and poise. This is classically structured cabernet, displaying all the power and purpose you get from this variety in a great year from Margaret River. Chalky tannins, powerhouse middle core with a great lingering finish. Deep, leafy, oyster shell, cabernet minerality. You simply must get some of this. 

96 Points - Andrew Caillard, The Vintage Journal
Medium deep crimson. Intense blackcurrant, blackberry, leafy aromas with hints of dark chocolate. Well balanced blackcurrant, blackberry, mulberry fruits, fine loose knit slinky textures and underlying savoury, espresso notes. Finishes grippy firm with attractive inky length. A classic cabernet sauvignon style with beautiful definition, richness and vigour.

Excellent - Langton's Classification VII
The historic, estate-grown Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon is the bellwether champion of the Margaret River region. Vasse Felix made the first cabernet sauvignon in Margaret River in 1972, and this wine has been made every year since. Comprised of cabernet sauvignon (88%) based primarily on Houghton clone material, this blend also often includes merlot, petit verdot or cabernet franc. Traditionally vinified and matured in new (40-55%) and seasoned French barriques for 16 to 18 months, it is an intensely fragrant style with blackcurrant, cedar and herb garden aromas, generous flavours and fine-grained tannins.