Vasse Felix - Tom Cullity Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2020 (750ml)

Price: $169.99
Producer | Vasse Felix |
Country | Australia |
Region | Margaret River |
Varietal | Red Blend |
Vintage | 2020 |
Sku | 8005 |
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Bright garnet color. An incredibly full and complex perfume slowly teases apart, revealing woodsy raspberry pip, salty sea breeze, potpourri with fresh rose petals, a hint of orange peel, crushed rock, mulberry, mulberry leaves, and shiitake mushrooms. A plush yet beautifully fresh and elegant mouthfeel that remains textured thanks to classically fine tannins. A hint of raspberry and another touch of orange combine with savory crushed rock and a subtle cigar nuance, finishing the super fine palate.
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
Vasse Felix Description
Vasse Felix, Margaret River’s 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 estate’s 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.
Wine Enthusiast: 98 Points
Cellar Selection
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.
Wine Advocate: 98 Points
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. 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. If you wish to cellar these for 10, 20, 30 years or more, that's perfectly acceptable. They'll do it.
James Suckling: 97 Points
The nose is wonderfully complex and perfumed with aromas of blackcurrants, violets, wild blackberries, graphite and eucalyptus. The full-bodied palate has seamless tannins and focused acidity, giving notes of mulberries, mocha, dried herbs and saltbush. Very refined and polished with an underlying power. Made from a blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 16% malbec and 3% petit verdot. Excellent. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Vinous: 96 Points
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Tom Cullity (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot) is densely packed, ripped and built for the long haul. Gravel, dried sage adn cassis aromas start with a dusting of dark earth and pepper, wrapped up in a finely tuned blanket of mocha French oak. Mouthfilling flavors follow with excellent definition thanks to a dense line of tannins. Refinement is the key here, as is a long, seamless finish.
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
Red currant, raspberry and rose petal notes open up into a complex mix of cedar, graphite, cigar box, clove and black tea flavors on a polished frame. Herbal accents carry through from beginning to end, with sage and bay leaf standing out. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.