2017 Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 750ml

REVIEWS & AWARDS: LANGTONS OUTSTANDING, 98 RAY JORDAN, 97 JAMES SUCKLING, 96 HALLIDAY

This is the third most highly rated Margaret River wine (based on critic scores).

A lovely, translucent ruby. The tightly intermingled perfume carries Tom’s Block characters of savoury tobacco, earthy forest and nori-like ocean breeze. Delicate red berry notes move into savoury tones of cherry pip, mushroom, white clay, brie rind and tamari. A floral fragrance of violets frames this elegant vintage. A restrained and ethereal rendition of Margaret River Cabernet, the body is plush and shapely, with lovely red berry fruit characters and super fine, talc-like tannins of unbelievable length. Graceful and sophisticated with a savoury core, the delicate complexity of perfumes linger on the long drying finish.

A selection of the most striking barrels from the vintage at Vasse Felix, representing Margaret River’s flagship varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Vasse Felix, Margaret Rivers founding wine estate, was established by Dr Thomas Brendan Cullity in 1967. Among his first plantings were Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec vines, from which he produced the estates first red wine. The Tom Cullity descends from these original vines and represents the purest expression of our history, place and vintage; the pinnacle of Vasse Felix.

Winemaking

The small sections of Toms old blocks were hand-harvested and destemmed only, without crushing, and then fermented with their natural yeast. The Cabernet parcels were static fermented, gently pumped over through a splash tub, and then left on skins for up to 33 days to stabilise and make structurally sound in an exceptional ripening year with quality tannins. The Petit Verdot, Malbec and some Cabernet Sauvignon were open fermented, hand-plunged and pressed dry. All basket pressed only.

Ageing:French Oak Barrique 59% new, 41% 2-4 year old 18 months.
Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec & Petit Verdot
Closure Type: Screwcap
Drinking Window: 2021-2047