Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Merlot 2023

Unlike the estate’s flagship Tom Cullity which demands two decades of cellaring and commands a premium price, the Filius is built for earlier enjoyment. Furthermore, the 10% new oak and 12-month ageing regime keep the wine’s fruit character in focus rather than extracting tannin for long-term ageing. As a result, this is a wine that opens within an hour of pouring and drinks well across its first five years. For those comparing entry-level Margaret River reds in Nairobi, the Filius offers genuine estate fruit from 57-year-old vines at a price point that undercuts most comparable Bordeaux blends. Tasting Notes Deep ruby with a purple rim. The nose is open and primary. Initially, blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry dominate. However, with 30 minutes in the decanter, dried herb, graphite and a faint cedar note emerge from the oak and vineyard. Furthermore, black olive, tobacco leaf and a dusty earthiness develop over time. On the palate, the wine is medium to full in weight. The tannins are fine and supple, providing structure without the grip of the estate’s top-tier Tom Cullity. Additionally, the acidity is bright and linear, carrying flavours of blackcurrant, plum and dark chocolate through the mid-palate. The 12 months in French oak leave a trace of vanilla pod and sweet spice on a finish of dried herb and mineral chalk that persists for 35 seconds. This wine drinks well now with adequate aeration. Food Pairing At 13.5% ABV and with moderate tannin, this Cabernet Merlot pairs with a wide range of dishes. Grilled lamb rump and beef sirloin are therefore the strongest matches. The fine tannins sit cleanly against charred fat, while the blackcurrant character mirrors the intensity of grilled red meat. Additionally, mushroom risotto, beef burgers with caramelised onion and aged Cheddar work well at the table. The acidity cuts through richness cleanly. For a Nairobi evening where the occasion calls for something reliable a midweek dinner, or a gathering where one bottle must cover multiple palates — this is the wine that holds across the full spread. Decant for 30 minutes before serving. What You Need to Know: What does this wine taste like compared to the Tom Cullity? The Filius shares the same vineyard source but is made for earlier drinking. It has softer tannins, more immediate fruit and less oak structure. The Tom Cullity is built for 20 years; this is built for 5. Consequently, the Filius is more approachable now and requires less decanting. Is this a good introduction to Margaret River Cabernet? Yes. The Filius captures the region’s signature blackcurrant and graphite character at a more accessible price and tannin level. It is consequently an ideal first step before investing in the estate’s top tier. Should I drink this now or cellar it? It drinks well now with 30 minutes of decanting. However, the structure will soften and integrate through 2028. The optimal window is therefore 2025 to 2028 — earlier than the Tom Cullity, but it will improve short-term. What food works best with this Cabernet Merlot? Grilled lamb rump, beef sirloin and mushroom risotto are ideal. The moderate tannin and bright acidity suit grilled meat and rich vegetarian dishes. Additionally, beef burgers with caramelised onion work for casual occasions. How does Margaret River Cabernet differ from Coonawarra or Napa? Margaret River is maritime — cool mornings, warm afternoons, gravel soils. The result is Cabernet with blackcurrant and graphite notes, medium tannin and bright acidity. Coonawarra tends to mint and eucalyptus; Napa is riper and fuller. Margaret River consequently sits between the two in weight and intensity. Does the screwcap affect quality? No. Screwcap eliminates cork taint and ensures consistency. For a wine intended for consumption within 5 years, it is the more reliable closure. The gradual micro-oxygenation of cork is unnecessary at this ageing horizon. What should I do if this bottle is out of stock? Our customer service team can help you find a suitable alternative or source the product where possible. Reach out before your event. How fast can I get this wine delivered in Nairobi? Nairobi orders placed before 9 PM qualify for same-day delivery, typically completed within a 1-hour window. Free delivery applies to orders above KES 3,000 within Nairobi. Orders outside Nairobi are delivered nationwide across Kenya within 24 to 48 hours.