Introducing the 2020 TOM CULLITY
Introducing a commanding and cerebral Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec from an exemplary Margaret River vintage. Or in the words of a local Western Australian critic, “a superstar.”
As always, TOM CULLITY is a pure reflection of the vintage in Margaret River, grown on Tom’s original vines, that were 53 years old at the time of harvest.
2020 began as a warmer season, but cooled soon after the white grape harvest, providing ideal conditions for gentle extended ripening of the Cabernet. Vibrant fruit characters were preserved, forming the wine’s buoyant core, while the tannins matured on the vine, beautifully. The “triple threat” of this release is the concentration of 2020’s lower yield, that produced this hallmark Cabernet of intensity and depth, within a Margaret River framework.
“The foreground of delicious, enticing perfumes and powerful fruit is arresting, but for me it’s how this intensity is interwoven so intricately with savoury elements. While 2020 is the most full-bodied release of the modern TOM CULLITY story, its mellifluous mid-palate and effortless tannins offer so much upon release, with decades ahead,” Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock.
Tom’s old plots were hand-harvested from 6 – 27 March, then wild fermented as whole berries and left on skins for up to 29 days. The wine was basket-pressed and gently transferred to 54% new and 46% old French oak, the portion of old oak complementing the 2020 Cabernet form. The parcels of wine were aged on yeast lees, the barriques relaxing with only minimal requirement for rack and return throughout maturation. After 18 months, the 2020 TOM CULLITY was composed and bottled. This vintage is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot.
2020 was a memorable vintage in more ways than one. With national and regional shutdowns in effect towards the end of harvest, Tom’s Cabernet plots (H, I, J & L) were hand-picked and nurtured through their vinification purely by the permanent Vasse Felix team, including enthusiastic helpers from our wonderful Hospitality crew. The ‘Tom’ is always a wine that unifies everyone at Vasse Felix, and this TOM CULLITY in particular, is very close to our hearts.
This is the eighth release of TOM CULLITY, a living tribute to Dr Tom Cullity’s extraordinary legacy; embodying the pioneering, innovative and brave spirit that led to the establishment of the Margaret River Wine Region.