2020 Vasse Felix 'Tom Cullity' Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec Margaret River

Winemaker Notes: An open and vibrant palate with lovely raspberry, blackcurrant, wood spice and sweet tobacco leaf, leads into a rich volume of fine terracotta tannins that are long, allowing the perfume to extend. Fine acid freshness, beautiful fruit succulence and a dark chocolate finish add to this elegant but powerful wine.

Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Enthusiast - "From an excellent vintage, Vasse's top dog red deftly demonstrates the unique juxtaposition of grace, perfume and power inherent to this unique West Aussie region. 2020 is particularly aromatic and fruit driven, but the pop of fresh cherry, currant, raspberry and red licorice is neatly underscored by savory herb, graphite and dark-chocolate nuances. Ultrafine, chalky tannins are beautifully integrated with the silky red fruit and fresh acidity on the palate. A highly classy, harmonious and expertly made bottling that could cellar for decades whilst offering drinkability right now."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2020 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec is creamy, luscious and spiced, with crème de cassis, licorice, pressed flowers, violets, raspberry seed and a thrust of savory, nori-laced tannins. The wine is so young that the evolution has not yet begun to sink in yet, so at this point, it's just a check-in. It's a superb wine, and it has not moved from last year when I tasted it. This is highly recommended. It's a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot grapes that were handpicked between February 28 and April 9, then matured for 18 months in French oak (33% new). 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

To be clear, regarding drinking windows, I have tasted lovely Cabernets from Vasse Felix that have been over 30 years of age and which sprang from a different time in winemaking and viticulture—they will undoubtedly live longer now. That stated, is a longer drinking window relevant? If you wish to cellar these for 10, 20, 30 years or more, that's perfectly acceptable. They'll do it."