Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec 2018

This wine is the benchmark of the latent power, grace and inherent balance of the 2018 vintage in Margaret River. Texturally similar to the classically sophisticated 2014 vintage, but with far greater density and weight. Here, the savoury tannins are countersunk into the fruit already: shapely, firm, chewy, malleable – everywhere and nowhere at once. Waves of blood plum, cassis, blackberry, pomegranate, juniper, raspberries, saltbush, bay leaf and salted red licorice crash against the rocks, as kelp, nori, iodine, red gravel and brine ride the smaller sets out the back. Sensational. Astounding. A wine for the ages. (7/2022)

The 2018 vintage can comfortably be described as being one of the greatest, if not the greatest vintage in Margaret River's 55-year modern history (i.e., since 1967). When this 2018 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec was released, it was both satisfying and terrifying. The former, because it confirmed everything I had suspected/hoped prior to its release. The latter because it would force me to put my neck on the line and give it the score I believe it deserves. Having seen it blind a number of times in esteemed international company, I am comfortable that this wine more than stands up alongside its counterparts from Bordeaux and Napa in the 2018 vintage. It is a marvelous example of Margaret River Cabernet, in that it offers us red raspberry, pomegranate, cassis and red licorice, alongside pink peppercorns, nori, sun-dried kelp, hints of iodine and earth, and all of it framed by ferrous tannins. It is fresh, it is structured, it is incredibly long. It will live forever.

A great edition of the top Cabernet blend from Vasse Felix, this has a lot of power and depth. The aromas run from red to blue and dark berries with a leafy edge and attractive, fresh florals. The palate has a core of blue-toned fruit flavor that drives so deep, with a helix-like interplay of acidity and tannin. Impressive. Drink over the next decade or more.

Reminiscent of Margaret River’s towering eucalyptus, marri flow- ers, dusty red earth and salty Indian Ocean breeze. red currant and black cherry swirl with graphite, iodine, savory spice and dried violets. Powerful and poised, with downright sexy tannins that cradle the fruit rather than cinch it.

A deep, rich, sensual nose and attack reflects a long, dry, warm Indian summer which extended the ripening period. Reveals dark chocolate, balsamic and delicious vibrato cigar box layers to the plush blackcurrant, black and blue berry fruit. Green coffee bean, sage, terracotta, cooler graphite and cut-finger nuances build. Dynamic, lacy tannins and mineral acidity contain and extend the fruit on a long, brooding finish. (5/2022)

There’s a brilliant freshness to the bold red fruit of this wine, an oceanic note of the cool winds through the jarrah forests west of Caves Road. It’s a blend of cabernet sauvignon and malbec, most all of the fruit from the original vines at the Wilyabrup blocks Tom Cullity established in 1967. The alcohol in the wine reads as earthy spice, elevating the cassis and forest-berry notes, taking the soft fullness of fruit toward a tight, focused clarity that lasts.