Winemaking and Drinking
The 2010 Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon is a notable vintage that exemplifies the exceptional viticulture and winemaking practices at Vasse Felix.
Margaret River is a relatively young wine region, but it has quickly gained an international reputation for its premium wines. The region's climate is similar to that of Bordeaux, with a cooling influence from the Indian Ocean that ensures a long ripening period. This allows for the development of complex flavors and tannins in the grapes, essential for creating robust and age worthy wines.
The 2010 vintage was marked by favorable weather conditions. A warm, dry growing season with minimal rain ensured the grapes achieved optimal ripeness. The careful selection of fruit from the estate's best vineyard blocks, combined with meticulous winemaking techniques, contributed to the creation of this exceptional wine. The Heytesbury label, named after one of the founding families of the region, represents Vasse Felix's top-tier selection, showcasing the best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot to enhance complexity and structure.
Tasting Notes
The 2010 Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep, vibrant crimson color, indicative of its concentration and aging potential.
On the nose, this wine offers an intricate bouquet of aromas. Initial notes of blackcurrant, cassis, and dark cherry are complemented by subtle hints of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and cedar. As the wine opens up, secondary aromas of mocha, dark chocolate, and graphite emerge, adding to its complexity and allure.
The palate is richly textured with a full-bodied structure. Flavors of ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, and plums dominate, underscored by nuances of anise, clove, and a touch of vanilla from the oak aging. The fine-grained tannins are well-integrated, providing a silky yet firm framework that supports the fruit intensity. The wine finishes long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark fruits and a hint of mineral freshness.
Awards and Accolades
The 2010 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon has garnered numerous accolades both domestically and internationally. Its acclaim is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship behind this vintage.
Domestic Awards
- James Halliday's Wine Companion: Rated 97 points, Halliday praised the wine for its elegance, structure, and aging potential.
- Royal Perth Wine Show: Gold Medal, highlighting its superior quality among Western Australian wines.
International Awards
- Decanter World Wine Awards: Silver Medal, recognized for its exceptional balance and depth.
- International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC): Gold Outstanding Medal, celebrated for its complexity and finesse.
- Wine Spectator: Scored 94 points, noting its rich flavor profile and impeccable structure.
Vineyards
The grapes for the 2010 Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from Vasse Felix's premier vineyard sites, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend.
Home Vineyard
Located in the heart of Margaret River, this vineyard benefits from gravelly loam soils and a temperate climate. The vines here are among the oldest on the estate, producing low yields of intensely flavored grapes.
Wilyabrup Vineyard
Situated slightly inland, the Wilyabrup vineyard offers a combination of clay and gravel soils. This site is known for producing fruit with concentrated flavors and robust tannins, essential for the Heytesbury blend.
Winemaking Process
The winemaking process for the Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon involves meticulous hand-picking of the grapes, followed by gentle destemming and fermentation in small batches. The wine is aged in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels for 18 months, allowing it to develop complexity and integrate its tannins. Regular racking and blending ensure that only the best barrels are selected for the final blend.
The 2010 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a benchmark for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the unique terroir of Margaret River and the skilled craftsmanship of the Vasse Felix winemaking team. Its impressive array of awards and high critical acclaim solidify its status as a wine of exceptional quality and elegance, capable of aging gracefully for many years.
| Wine Type | Red wine |
| Producer | Vasse Felix |
| State | Western Australia |
| Region | Margaret River |
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot |
| Year | 2010 |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Alcohol | 14.5% |