Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (Margaret River)
“When I smell the forest, smell the ocean, smell the beautiful dirt, I want to see some of that come through in the wine,” says Virginia Willcock, describing her vision for Margaret River wines. This Perth local has been responsible for raising Vasse Felix to new heights since taking over as chief winemaker in 2006. This blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 16% malbec and 4% petit verdot is her icon red, named after the estate’s founder, local cardiologist Dr Tom Cullity, who planted the vines for this wine in 1967. This is undeniably powerful and reflects a level of ripeness achievable only in Australia, yet also demonstrates supreme elegance, purity of fruit, poise and great complexity. Hints of secondary development are just beginning to show, with notes of sweet tea, currants and plenty of vanillin new oak (62% new barrels), but the intensely tannic, long palate with vibrant acidity will see this wine well into its third decade of life with no trouble. (A)