2016 TOM CULLITY Awarded 99 Points
We're thrilled to introduce the 2016 vintage of our Icon TOM CULLITY Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec. 2016 was one of Margaret River’s truly great Cabernet vintages; we believe this flagship wine is the most exciting release to date and the critics agree.
Most recently, Ray Jordan (The West Australian) awarded the 2016 TOM CULLITY 99 points, describing it as "the best Cullity yet released".
We have also received glowing reviews from Erin Larkin and James Suckling which you can read in full below.
2016 TOM CULLITY Critic Reviews
99 points
Ray Jordan
"The best Cullity yet released, confirmed in my own mind at a vertical tasting of the previous vintages. Lifted scents of cedar and subtle bay leaf with crushed rose petal nuances. The palate is deep and powerful with controlled structure of chalky, slightly powdery fine tannins and fine-grained oak. There is a minerally almost sea spray like character cutting through the dark fruits and chocolate richness. Compelling and just magnificent."
98 points
Tyson Stelzer
"The fragrance of Cabernet and the savoury detail of the Malbec unite to distinguished effect in this long-ripening season, giving birth to one of the greatest blends in the lauded history of this legendary estate. Intricately scaffolded with ethereal fruit, enduring, powder fine tannins and sensative oak interlocking seamlessly, this is a masterfully crafted creation. It is impeccably polished from the outset, yet possesssing of staffering longevity."
98 points
Erin Larkin
"The 2016 fruit has a salivating saltiness about it. Led by red berries and cassis it is pure and concentrated. This is almost shimmering in its power and drive. It is very long through the finish; it is hard to know when it ends. The tannins are fine, crushed powder fine. It speaks of balance and harmony. It manages to convey power without weight, it is medium bodied and silky. A gloriously complex, fine and beautiful cabernet."
96 points
James Suckling
"This has a very complex, integrated array of red-plum, redcurrant and mulberry aromas with cedary nuances, as well as forest wood, fresh earth, graphite, pepper, leaves, shitake mushrooms and more. The palate is finely layered with grainy, powerful tannin and gives an overall impression of focused power with deeply rich dark berries, plums, berries and mulberries. Seamlessly composed. Drink or hold. This has a long life ahead."
Made from incredibly pointed and precise fruit, the 2016 TOM CULLITY is our most hands-off production yet. A fitting tribute to Dr Tom Cullity's legacy, this wine represents the purest expression of history, place and vintage at Vasse Felix. Tasting notes and more on the wine can be found here.
Ray Jordan Reviews Other Vasse Felix Cabernet Releases
95 points
2017 Cabernet Sauvginon
"Dollar for dollar, this is the best value cabernet released in the State. This is a more restrained wine which reflects the cooler vintage. Blackcurrant and light cedar with a hint of graphite on the nose. The palate is medium-weight with an effortless integration of fine-grained tannins and oak working harmoniously into a single structural purpose. Slightly savoury finish which is focused and long. A stylish cabernet."
91 points
2017 Filius Cabernet Sauvignon
"Another cracking cabernet under this label which has emerged as one of the best-value quality Margaret River cabernets. Not as opulent as 2016, but with generous and focused fruit expression. Has a more dried-herbs and savoury element with a thread of grainy sinewy tannin and dusty oak."