The Margaret River wine region is located at the southwestern most tip of Australia. Its pristine isolation, ancient lands and maritime influence (it is a cape surrounded by the Indian and Southern oceans on three sides) create the ideal environment to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The region contributes just 3% to Australia's total wine production; however, it commands over 20% of the premium market with wines that arguably lead the way as international benchmarks.

In the 1950s, renowned and eccentric cardiologist, Dr. Tom Cullity, returned home from a trip to Europe intent on making fine wines in Western Australia. In addition to catering to a demanding career and large family, Tom spent most of his spare time navigating the arduous drive from Perth to Margaret River on gravel roads to nurture his young vine plantings. It was at this site, a mere 4km from the ocean, that Tom established rudimentary winemaking facilities from recycled medical contraptions in a small shed which also served as his sleeping quarters. Despite many doubting the success of his pursuit and colorful locals calling him crazy, Tom persevered, relying on his intellectual and unconventional approach to meet the many challenges that arose. His enduring persistence led to the successful creation of Margaret River’s first commercial wines. “Filius” means “son of” in Latin, reflecting the relationship between these more entry-level wines and the winery’s next-level, expensive “Premier” or “father” wines. We will sample:

Vasse Felix Filius Margaret River Chardonnay 2020 — Bright pale straw with a green tinge. On the nose, a delicate perfume of lemon cheesecake, panna cotta, a touch of pawpaw, light herbal coriander and lemon verbena notes, is supported by the underlying aroma of limestone and hazelnuts. The palate is light yet fleshy with bright acidity with hints of white peach and custard tart.. This wine opens with a lift of tangy citrus and stone fruit, and just a hint of oak and native yeast complexities. The palate is light to medium in weight with a gentle textural creaminess, bright fruit and a salty crunch to the acidity. 13% ABV. Rating: 92, Wine Enthusiast. $29.99/$10

Vasse Felix Filius Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — Light garnet in color with a savory nose of miso, wet forest floor, shitake and leather wax that opens into light perfumes of mulberry and blackberry juice with a hint of raspberry ice cream. A fresh but velvety palate with medium weight, a creamy core and fine, elegant tannins. Hints of delicate dried cranberry and sunflower seed nuttiness linger on the finish. A comfortable, soft, juicy body and tannin profile finishes the wine fresh and long. Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 4 % Petit Verdot. 14.5% ABV. Rating: 92, Wine Spectator. $29.99/$10

See you Friday!