Elegant with incredible purity of fruit. Perfumed aromas of red and black currants, juicy ripe plums and tobacco leaves with bitter chocolate, crushed blackberries, dried herbs and cedar. The midweight palate is succulent but not fat, showing finely integrated tannins and great depth. A beautiful, superbly approachable wine that still has a long life ahead in bottle. Great tension and minerality. A blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% malbec. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
The 2021 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec is lighter in frame than some of the other vintages around it, and it looks spicy and fine. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Malbec. The grapes were picked between March 30 and April 9 and then fermented with whole berries and wild yeast. The wine matured in 100% French oak for 16 and a half months, 68% new. This 2021 has the same pH (3.52) and total acidity (6.1) as the 2017. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
The 2021 season is not a year easily categorized in Western Australia and, in this context, specifically in the Margaret River. From the notes provided by Vasse Felix, they had a cool and wet spring that increased disease pressure and required extensive leaf plucking to improve canopy airflow and fruit exposure. December and January were warm and dry, while unusually warm and humid conditions through February and March required continued canopy management. Rainfall in early February replenished soil moisture for red varieties, while a second rainfall event in early March was followed by sunny and breezy conditions that assisted in drying the fruit. Disease incidence remained low at harvest. The relatively mild season extended the ripening period for Cabernet varieties, supporting the development of fine, soft tannins.
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.
The 2021 Tom Cullity showcases the cooler season, with wintergreen and cedar elements leading, and fleshy blackcurrant and mulberry aromas in support. The nose is punchy and the palate is firmly structured. Sinewy tannins evoke an Old-World expression and counterbalance considerable power before a finish of exceptional length. The 2021 is very young and needs a little time to come together.
Rich and succulent, with bittersweet chocolate, espresso and dried cherry flavors that mingle with rosemary and wild sage aromatics on a dense but polished frame. Details of fresh loam, cigar box and star anise linger, with incredible length and focus.
Winery Notes
Appearance: Ruby with a purple hue.
Nose: a deep perfume of wild berries reveals distinctive savoury characters, woodsy Margaret River Forest and briny ocean breeze. Intense and powerful with dried rose petal and violet paired with earthy aromas of mushrooms, the spice of fresh cedar, and linseed oil. Hints of peppermint tree leaves are complemented by enticing notes of a canelé pastry and dark chocolate.
Palate: Incredibly luscious, rich fruit builds into a long, fine, powdery tannin structure. Refreshing floral notes are expressed throughout the palate with lingering blackcurrant and blackberry. Medium bodied, the complexity of ocean and nori influence pairs beautifully with notes of chocolate, leather polish and exotic spices. An elegant, palpable and clean dry finish with earthy power and wild berry custard tart rounding out this complex palate.
