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2015 Tom Cullity

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 pinnacle of Vasse Felix.

Dr Tom Cullity
1925-2008

Dr Tom Cullity was a respected Cardiologist from Western Australia. He discovered the great table wines of Europe in the 1950s while in Britain working at the National Heart Hospital. Upon returning home, Tom set himself a mission to make fine wines in WA. He searched extensively for the perfect plot of land, taking guidance from the research of Professor Harold Olmo (1955) and Dr John Gladstones (1965) before establishing an 8 acre vineyard in Cowaramup called Vasse Felix.

His exhaustive work and persistence led to the successful creation of Margaret River’s first commercial wines. He is remembered for his pioneering role in establishing Margaret River.

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Tasting Notes
COLOUR Ruby with a brick tint. NOSE A subdued yet exotic savoury perfume with light red-berry jam notes and traces of sour cherry. Hints of nori, sage and teak add to notes of shortbread, peanut and blood orange. PALATE A very light but plush palate with plummy notes, a fresh tangy length and fine but strong, powdery tannin finish. The ever so subtle flavours of plum, teak, black tea and a hint of clove round out this intriguing wine.
Winemaker Notes
WINEMAKERS NOTES All blocks were destemmed only without crushing and then allowed to ferment naturally. The Petit Verdot, Malbec and larger portion of Cabernet Sauvignon (making up 54%) were open fermented, hand plunged and pressed dry. The remaining 46% of the Cabernet and Malbec were static fermented, gently pumped over through a splash tub and then left on skins for up to 34 days, allowing the wine to stabilise and become structurally sound in such a brilliant year for tannin ripeness. The small sections were basket pressed to fine French oak and matured for only 16 months in this delicate vintage, with minimal racking.
Varietals:
Production Notes
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot
Alcohol:
Alcohol %
14.0
Cellaring Potential:
Aging
Now until 2038
Harvested:
Harvest Date
Mid-March to early April 2015
Oak:
Fermentation
French Oak Barrique, 51% new, 49% 1-3 year old, 16 months
TA:
Acid
7.0g/L
pH:
pH
3.51
Residual Sugar:
Residual Sugar
0.44g/L
Bottled:
Bottling Date
October 2016
Vintage Notes
2015

Mild conditions in Margaret River with no extreme weather conditions, allowing for balanced fruit and a slow and steady intake. There was no disease pressure and fruit quality is excellent the only disappointment was yields being down across the Region for all key varieties. This was the outcome of storms in spring and pressure from an increase in the local population of Silver Eyes (birds) and no Marri Blossom.

2015 Tom Cullity
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$255.00
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Reviews
  • Outstanding - Langton's Classification VII

    Langton's Classification VII

    Sourced from the original vines planted in 1967 by Doctor Tom Cullity, the Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec represents a multi-generational journey of innovation based on trial and error. Based on Houghton clone cabernet sauvignon and malbec, refined vinification techniques and maturation for 18 months in French oak, this wine validates and continues the Heytesbury narrative. Vibrant blackcurrant and herb garden aromas, fine-grained tannins, sous-bois (forrest floor) notes, generous concentration and integrated new oak mark the style.

  • 98 points

    Ray Jordan

    This wine is a powerhouse. Has elements of the 2013 with the graceful lines of the 2015 vintage. This was a low-yielding vintage and fruit was all wild fermented. Has a long, savoury structure, although the palate remains supple. Defined and poised in a classic cabernet profile. 98/100. Best Drinking: Now to 2040.

  • "..the best Tom Cullity to date for me"

    Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

    20% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, and the rest is Cabernet. This is the best Tom Cullity to date for me. Red and black fruits, dried roses, peppermint tea, cedar and spice. It's medium bodied, fleshy and perfumed, succulent in fruit, polished fine grained tannin, oak present but not dominant, clean almost cranberry acidity, and an earthy savoury Malebc infused finish with a fine length. Has a delicacy and distinctive character. Drink 2020-2035. 95 points

  • 96 points - Top 100 Wines of Australia 2019

    James Suckling

    #53 - The 2015 Cullity is all about finesse and power with subtle aromas and flavors of currants, plums and autumnal leaves. Full body and firm, chewy tannins that give the wine length and freshness. Just keeps on growing on the palate. Better after 2022, but already a gem to taste. Drink in 2022 and onwards. Screw cap.

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