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2021 Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Decanter

In stock

This red is pinnacle of the range of a leader in Margaret River winemaking. The Cabernet and Malbec vines from which it is sourced were among the first planted by the legendary Tom Cullity himself, who established Vasse Felix in 1967. With huge depth yet also the poise and elegance for which the region would ultimately become known, the Tom Cullity is a towering classic of modern Australian wine. 2021 is the 50th vintage of Cabernet here. Secure your stock now!

$180.00 in mixed 6+ or $200.00 per bottle

Overview

Grape

81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Malbec

Its Origins

As the moderate climate of Margaret River is becoming Australia’s centre of premium winemaking, Vasse Felix are leading the pack in recognition and can, in fact, lay claim to having been there first. It was the founder Dr Thomas Cullity whose planting experiments were confirmed when in 1966 experts identified Margaret River as a near homoclime (same climate as) Bordeaux. Luckily those commissioning the studies, and the local newspaper that published the details, had no idea how significant they were, and in 1967 Cullity had little competition in finding the best site - which he cleverly did in redgum country with red gravel above and clay lying below. Here at Margaret River’s first vineyard, Vasse Felix, he planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec and Riesling. The latter variety was to be the label’s first success (in 1972), showing the white wine promise of the cooler Margaret River, which is now as famous for Chardonnay as it is for Cabernet Sauvignon. Regarding Cabernet itself - which is the winery’s flagship - the acknowledged experts at Vasse Felix have a distinctive take on this variety, revealing the elegant and aromatic nature of the grape so that that at times it seems to compare as much to Burgundy as it does to Bordeaux. With an established reputation but also the strictest artisanship and organic, sustainable practices - including being on the cutting edge of industrial recycling - Vasse Felix are not only masters of their art, but stayers in the game.

What The Critics Say

98/100 Decanter

“Some wines take your breath away – this is one of them. A Cabernet/Malbec blend with 68% new French oak; there’s no shortage of wood, but the fruit glimmers through like a mirage. Potpourri, plum skin, blueberry and damson are laced with sweet wood spice, dark chocolate shavings, liquorice strap, clove, briar rose florals and a compelling other-worldly spice. Bonfire smokiness compels. The intensity of perfume on the nose is matched on the palate, complete with splayed, shapely, firm tannins, a spider thread of acidity and a mouth-filling delicacy of fruit. A pinch of dried cranberry, saltbush and red peppercorn adds a nose-crinkling freshness to the finish. Just sublime.” Drink 2025-2045

98/100 Andrew Caillard MW

“Medium deep crimson. Classical blackcurrant, redcurrant pastille, dark chocolate aromas with cedar, roasted chestnut notes and hints of herb garden. Beautifully concentrated and inky deep claret style with ample cassis, mulberry, redcurrant fruits, fine grainy tannins and superbly balanced roasted chestnut, vanilla, cedar wood notes. Finishes firm and tight with chinotto, hint leafy nuances. Refined and elegant with superb definition and flow. A top-notch Magaret River Cabernet with a great cellaring future. Keep for the medium to long term.”

97+/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin

“The 2021 Tom Cullity marks 50 years of Cabernet Sauvignon winemaking at Vasse Felix. Tasted alongside a vertical of previous releases, the 2021 Tom Cullity is a triumph and one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons to be released from Margaret River in this challenging year. This is certainly lighter and finer than many of the other wines in the lineup—2017 being the exception—but the tannins feel seamless and powdery, perfectly dovetailed into the fruit. This is a beautiful wine and triumphant in the year that was. It is super. Composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Malbec, it fermented with whole berries and wild yeast and matured in 100% French oak for 16 and a half months, 68% new.” Drink 2025-2046

Stats & Food Matching

Variety	Cabernet Sauvignon
Region	Western Australia
Closure	Cap
Volume	750ml
Alcohol	14.50%
Maturity	2023 - 2059

This Wine Goes Well With

Taste

Delivery & Returns

We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.

If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.