VASSE FELIX 'TOM CULLITY' CAB/MALBEC 2016 750ML

The 2016 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec is rich and powerful, with a robust fruit profile and firm tannins. For all the descriptors, it remains an elegant wine in the wider context of Cabernet from Margaret River, yet today, it shows to be of firm textural disposition than its vintage siblings. Here, it has dark chocolate and notes of charcuterie, licorice, nori and tapenade. The tannins, while profuse, are agile and flexible.

currant, cedar, olive brine, bay leaf and cigar box. Layers of texture and flavor flow over the tongue, knit together by a powdery, fine line of tannins. Oak is present but should integrate seamlessly with time in bottle. It's a classy wine that walks a tightrope of power and elegance.

This has a very complex, integrated array of red-plum, redcurrant and mulberry aromas with cedary nuances, as well as forest wood, fresh earth, graphite, pepper, leaves, shitake mushrooms and more. The palate is finely layered with grainy, powerful tannin and gives an overall impression of focused power with deeply rich dark berries, plums, berries and mulberries. Seamlessly composed. This has a long life ahead.

Perfumed with exotic spice, incense, blackcurrant flower and plush plum, while the palate is textured with lush, rich fruit and a neat acidity.

Deep ruby. Expansive aromas of red and dark berry preserves, incense, black pepper, candied rose and allspice; suggestions of cured tobacco and vanilla build as the wine opens up. Seamless and broad on the palate, offering impressively concentrated yet lithe bitter cherry, cassis, licorice and floral pastille flavors that turn sweeter through the back half. Shows outstanding energy and sharp definition on a strikingly long, floral- and mineral-accented finish given shape by polished, fine-grained tannins.

There's an elegance and juiciness to the bright red fruit flavors and notes of spiced plum at the core, with pretty details of matcha green tea, nutmeg and toasted herb. Cumin, black pepper and cedar accents linger on the finish, where the tannins firm up. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.