Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec 2017
-
Australian Wine
Companion -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon is a lovely, translucent ruby. On the nose, savory tobacco, earthy forest and nori-like ocean breeze. Delicate red berry notes move into savory 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 savory core, the delicate complexity of perfumes linger on the long, drying finish.
Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
Australian Wine Companion
This wine is undoubtedly one reason why Margaret River has such a powerful reputation for cabernet: concentration without weight, savoury statuesque tannins and layers upon layers of exotic spice, laid on a bed of ripe fruit. Coursing through the very heart of it is a steady beat of cool-vintage saline acid, pulling it over the coals of the tongue, through to the very long finish. Remarkable.
-
James Suckling
Complex aromas of berries, spices, chocolate and walnuts with some dried spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and beautiful length, with honed tannins that drive you deep down in the center of the wine. Wonderfully manicured.
-
Wine Enthusiast
The 2017 vintage of this winery's top-tier red was on the cooler side for Margaret River, resulting in extra elegance alongside power and polish. Waves of aromas and flavors flow in the form of plum, currant, black olive, tar, leather, tobacco leaf and other savory herbs. A sanguine note sits at the back. The full-figured palate shows lovely freshness and poise. The tannins are chalky, chiseled and well-structured. Cellar Selection
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made with 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, this had a 100% wild ferment with 100% whole berry and matured in French oak for 19 months (61% new). 2017 was a season that produced extremely varied results across the region. The season was cooler, and there was rain about. The producers who managed their vineyards with courage and diligence were the ones who produced the best wines. The 2017 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec shows some of the fresh leather/sweet heirloom tomato/chewy tobacco characters that I have found across the region that year, but it is, most importantly, accompanied by a core of fresh fruit. Excellent. One of the best in the region this vintage.
Other Vintages
2019-
Australian Wine
Companion -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling -
Wine &
Spirits -
Wine
Spectator
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling - Decanter
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine &
Spirits -
Wine
Spectator
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wilfred
Wong - Decanter
-
Wine
Spectator
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator - Decanter
-
James
Suckling - Decanter
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine &
Spirits
Established in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix is Margaret River's founding wine estate. Pristine isolation, ancient lands and twin oceans make Margaret River a wine paradise and one of the world’s greatest environments to grow ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These varieties, alongside Shiraz and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends are the primary focus at Vasse Felix. All wines are grown in Vasse Felix’s four Margaret River vineyards then vinified and bottled within the modern winery, situated at the Home Vineyard overlooking the Wilyabrup Brook. The Vasse Felix Cellar Door - also located at the Home Vineyard - is renowned. Featuring a tasting room, wine lounge, art gallery, wine museum and one of Australia's most acclaimed restaurants, visitors are welcomed from all around the world, eager for the ultimate Vasse Felix experience.
There are many things that make Vasse Felix the special place it is: the incredible environment and climate of Margaret River, their secure family ownership, their treasured heritage, and their priceless vineyards. But above all, it's the dedication of the entire team to continue Dr Cullity's original aim for Vasse Felix: "to make the best possible wine".
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.