Vasse Felix, Margaret River (Western Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 Finding solid Cabernets under $25 can be a tall order these days, and it’s why Vasse Felix’s Filius Cabernet from Margaret River was such a pleasant surprise.  Established in 1967, Vasse Felix lauds itself as the original Margaret River winery.  In the 2020 Filius Cabernet, red currants, mint leaf, and violets all show through on the nose, while red and black fruits mix with plush tannins on the palate.  This wine shows decent complexity, and while full-bodied, it feels neither over-extracted nor overly alcoholic, with a respectable 14.5% abv.  While varietally labeled as Cabernet, Filius is technically only 89% Cabernet, blended with 10% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.  The Malbec gives this wine a pleasant roundness but might be a touch high for my preference, as the acidity can’t quite keep up.  That said, this is still a great Cabernet, especially at its price point.