2021 Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec Magnum 1.5L, Margaret River

Often when a structured and very young flagship wine is up for tasting, I’ll assess it initially, maybe try it with food, and spend a couple of days thinking about it and retasting. They need respect. But this time, I poured a big glass of Tom Cullity and enjoyed it immediately, as it’s approachable and complete. Even a few days later, no signs of fading. This is exceptional. There’s a certain refinement within, almost open-knit. A whorl of dark fruit, from mulberries to red berries, very spicy, very savoury, ferrous, full of nori, licorice, florals and more. It’s complex, shaped by beautifully defined tannins, the length long, the pleasure factor 10 out of 10 with ageability the same.

97 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Vasse Felix’s Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec is the flagship red from one of Margaret River’s founding wineries, created as a tribute to Dr Tom Cullity, who planted the first vines at Vasse Felix in 1967 and established the region’s fine wine legacy. The wine is sourced from the original estate vineyards in Wilyabrup, where the gravelly loam soils over clay and the maritime climate combine to produce Cabernet Sauvignon of perfume, structure, and elegance, along with Malbec that adds vibrancy, plushness, and aromatic lift. Fruit is hand-picked, meticulously sorted, and fermented in small batches before extended maturation in fine French oak, with an emphasis on finesse over power.

In the glass, Tom Cullity shows a deep garnet hue and an intricate bouquet of cassis, black cherry, and mulberry, layered with violet, bay leaf, cedar, and a graphite-like minerality. The palate is medium to full-bodied yet wonderfully poised, with concentrated dark fruit framed by silky tannins and bright acidity. Hints of cacao, tobacco, and savoury spice from the oak integrate seamlessly, leading to an exceptionally long, fine, and harmonious finish. It is a wine that captures both the elegance and age-worthy structure for which Wilyabrup Cabernet blends are known.

It pairs beautifully with roast lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, grilled ribeye with chimichurri, or slow-braised beef with root vegetables. Aged hard cheeses like Mimolette or Comté also make an excellent match. While already expressive in its youth, the Tom Cullity is built for longevity, with the finest vintages expected to evolve gracefully over 20 years or more.