Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon is a lovely, translucent ruby. On the nose, savory tobacco, earthy forest and nori-like ocean breeze. Delicate red berry notes move into savory tones of cherry pip, mushroom, white clay, brie rind and tamari. A floral fragrance of violets frames this elegant vintage. A restrained and ethereal rendition of Margaret River Cabernet, the body is plush and shapely, with lovely red berry fruit characters and super fine, talc-like tannins of unbelievable length. Graceful and sophisticated with a savory core, the delicate complexity of perfumes linger on the long, drying finish.
Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Australian Wine Companion
This wine is undoubtedly one reason why Margaret River has such a powerful reputation for cabernet: concentration without weight, savoury statuesque tannins and layers upon layers of exotic spice, laid on a bed of ripe fruit. Coursing through the very heart of it is a steady beat of cool-vintage saline acid, pulling it over the coals of the tongue, through to the very long finish. Remarkable.
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James Suckling
Complex aromas of berries, spices, chocolate and walnuts with some dried spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and beautiful length, with honed tannins that drive you deep down in the center of the wine. Wonderfully manicured.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2017 was a challenging vintage in Margaret River, in that it was cool and wet and had plentiful yields. Those who managed the vineyards and yields diligently and constantly were rewarded. While I have been critical of many Cabernets from this vintage in Margaret River, the best are beginning to show their inherent delicacy and detail. Here, the 2017 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec is very finely textured and light in the mouth, and while the fruit is starting to show development through the finish in the form of leather and sage, the tannins curl and wrap around that fruit and extend it through the long finish. This is a beautiful wine. Rating: 96+
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Wine Enthusiast
The 2017 vintage of this winery's top-tier red was on the cooler side for Margaret River, resulting in extra elegance alongside power and polish. Waves of aromas and flavors flow in the form of plum, currant, black olive, tar, leather, tobacco leaf and other savory herbs. A sanguine note sits at the back. The full-figured palate shows lovely freshness and poise. The tannins are chalky, chiseled and well-structured. Cellar Selection
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.