2009 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Cabernet Blend 750ml

Overview

Vasse Felix Heytesbury is the estate’s flagship Margaret River red, produced from a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The 2009 vintage combines extended maceration, substantial French oak maturation and long-term cellaring potential.

Blend and Winemaking

The blend comprises 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot and 15% Malbec. The wine matured for 18 months in French oak, including 62% new oak. Approximately 60% of the blend received 30 days of post-fermentation maceration, building structure while maintaining balance with the wine’s concentrated fruit.

Critic Reviews

96 Points - Halliday Wine Companion
Tasted 07 May 2012
Published 17 June 2021
“A 69/16/15% blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and malbec that spent 18 months in 62% new French oak. The tannins resulting from the 30 days post-fermentation maceration of 60% of the blend are in perfect harmony with the dominant blackcurrant fruit on the long palate. A very good example of a great style.”

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Tasted January 2013
“A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec, the 2009 Heytesbury is a medium- to full-bodied wine with a taut line of acidity that accentuates its slightly drying tannins. Cassis and red currant notes predominate, but there's ample complexity in the form of mint, cedar, leather and dusty earth. Drink 2018-2025.”

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
Tasted November 2011
“This has fabulous length, with satin-like tannins that are so integrated into the wine. Licorice, currants and hints of spice. Some eucalyptus. It's full but super balanced. Goes on for minutes. Less new French oak in the maturation and better coopers. 62% new. Blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot and 15% Malbec. All about gentler handling. Try this in 2014.”

93 Points - Jeremy Oliver
Tasted January 2010
Recommended Drinking Window: 2029-2039

92 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine
Tasted October 2012

Awards

• Gold Medal - Awarded 2012
• Bronze Medal - International Wine Challenge 2012
  “excellent spicy nettly nose. rich complex fruit, and gravel. green pepper plus aniseed currant fruit wood.”

Specifications

• Vintage: 2009
• Producer: Vasse Felix
• Range: Heytesbury
• Blend: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot and 15% Malbec
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Country: Australia
• Winemaker: Virginia Willcock
• Post-Fermentation Maceration: 30 days for 60% of the blend
• Maturation: 18 months in French oak, including 62% new oak
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Residual Sugar: 1g/L
• Drinking Window: 2013-2040