Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2018 (750ML)

99 WA / 98 JS / 97 VM / 97 WE / 96 DE / 17.5 JR

#26 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Australia 2021

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.—EL, The Wine Advocate

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. Screw cap.—James Suckling

The super aristocratic 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tom Cullity, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, is a densely flavoured and structured wine built for the long haul. It boasts incredible concentration yet retains its focus with ink, blackberry and blueberry fruits supported by a rich vein of new, high quality French oak. Significant volume of flavour follows, with waves of fruit plus a gravelly underbelly. A firm bed of tannins sits comfortably with the fruit and all come together to support an incredibly long finish. Benchmark Margaret River Cabernet. - Angus Hughson, Vinous Media

Reminiscent of Margaret River's towering eucalyptus, marri flowers, 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. — Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast

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. - Sarah Ahmed, Decanter

Deep garnet. Wonderfully scented. Quite ethereal and lifted with some saline quality and lots of ripe fruit with a tamarind, salty quality. Quite long. - Jancis Robinson