Vasse Felix - Two Margaret River Classics

Two Vasse Felix wines from Western Australia - via Tesco

Western Australia's Margaret River is something of a wine paradise; with its pristine isolation, ancient lands and twin oceans, it is one of the world’s great environments for winemaking.

Vasse Felix, Margaret River’s founding wine estate, was established only in 1967 yet current Chief winemaker Virginia Willcock is now one of the country's most awarded winemakers.

The Bordelais white blend and Rhone-esque red are both well-made, faultless and classically European in style with some aging potential. The red especially benefits from some time in the decanter to allow the more complex and savoury elements to emerge.

Vasse Felix Classic Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (£10, Tesco) aromatic and tropical, kiwi-style Savignon. Except it's 70% Semillon. Cut grass, guava and white pepper with zippy lime, green apple and fresh, citrussy pineapple with a delicate herbal note. Poised and crisp with good underpinnings and a touch of creamy, leesy brazil nut richness.

Good.

Drink as an aperitif or match with herby roast chicken, lemon risotto or deep-fried calamari rings. 

Vasse Felix Margaret River Shiraz, 2019 (£10, Tesco) juicy and fruit-forward with slightly stewed wild raspberry, cassis, black cherry and plum with oaky vanilla spice. Supple, with rounded, harmonious tannins and saline minerality.

Gains complexity with significant aeration.

Good.

Match with grilled lamb chops and harissa.