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 purest expression of our history, place and vintage; the pinnacle of Vasse Felix. 

Varietals: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.0

COLOUR Deep Garnet.

NOSE Exciting perfumes of blackcurrant and cranberry jam, roast turkey skin, smoked mushroom, nori, sage and wild penny royal herb mingle with hints of drying rose petal, a touch of peppermint tree, roasted coffee beans and ironstone.

PALATE Juicy, succulent entrance with a plump core, slow building fine tannins and a soft stone-dry finish with persisting fragrance. Flavours of cranberry, blackcurrant and mushroom with light peppermint elevate the palate with lightness and power.

VINTAGE DESCRIPTION

Dry warm spring conditions at the end of 2015 helped establish a healthy fruitset and better yields than the previous two seasons. January temperatures were warm, interrupted by one rainfall event late in the month, great viticulture management, clean, well trimmed canopies and subsequent warm weather prevented disease risk. White varieties were harvested throughout February with elegant flavours and bright natural acidity. January rain gave red varieties a timely drink and moderate long, dry conditions finished them with bright fruit and ripe tannins.

WINEMAKER COMMENTS

Our Cabernet parcels are grown in Wilyabrup, (the coastal, midnorthern area of Margaret River) on ancient, well drained gravel loam soils produce wines of great varietal purity and character. These wonderful, often tiny, vineyard sections are individually fermented using indigenous yeasts, with many experiencing maceration periods of up to 31 days. Natural fermentation and extended maceration are coupled with traditional oxidative handling to clearly define the intricate personality of each vineyard site before blending. Portions of Malbec complement and enhance the Cabernet profile while elevated perfumes and alternative fermentation of Petit Verdot bring a bright nuance.