2009 Heytesbury Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 16% Petit Verdot. 100% French oak for 18 months, 62% new, 38% one to three years old. TA 7 g/l, pH 3.43, RS 0.46 g/l. Bright crimson. Very strong violet scent – 16% Petit Verdot! Just the right side of gamey – which presumably comes from the Malbec. Round and a little brawny. Less elegant than the other vintages. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Perfumed and dark and slightly herbal. Tight, fine, firm structure filled out by juicy, mouthwatering fruit. Intense cassis on the mid palate. Sweeter than the 2007 and the tannins seem more silky – but they only seem that way. Underneath they are firm and spicy. (JH)
Mid ruby. Intense, ripe nose. Lots of red fruit here. Quite lightweight and dainty. Serious, dry finish. Very slight tannins give a gentle furriness on the length. Lovely savoury moreishness here. Intriguing and gastronomic. (RH)
(mostly cabernet sauvignon, with petit verdot and malbec): Inky ruby. Intense aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits, vanilla, candied rose, Indian spices and licorice. Sweet and spicy, with impressive clarity and power on the back half but not excess weight. Dusty tannins give grip to a finish that offers a sexy array of dark fruit preserve and floral pastille qualities.
About the producer
Vasse Felix was the first winery in Margaret River, founded in 1967. Today, it is one of Western Australia’s – and the New World’s – most respected names, crafting outstanding, cool-climate Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from this remote region, south of Perth.