2018 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec

The 2018 Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec hails from a superb vintage in Margaret River. The wine on release was every bit as remarkable as it is here today, seven years from its harvest, and while it may have been classified as a warm vintage at the time, it was not as warm as the ensuing 2020, 2022 and 2024 vintages. The marri blossom—local flowering eucalyptus trees—were prodigious that year, a super bloom. It kept the hungry Silvereyes at bay and reduced bird pressure to almost zero. It was a wonderful growing season responsible for the best wines from many in the region. This is elegant and restrained now but will hold in place for decades to come.

This is deep set and brooding while maintaining a suave sensibility. Cedar, bay leaf, graphite, tilled earth, black olive tapenade, nori. It's powerful but precise and defined. There's good texture, body and drive to the palate with notes mirroring the nose with great drive through a long finish. The tannins are stacked and graphite-laced, the acid persistent and bright leading to excellent length.This is a brilliant Tom Cullity from a hallmark vintage in Margaret River. It's drinking well now but there's balance, intensity and structure to carry on.

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.5% Malbec, 4.5% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet. Wonderfully scented. Quite ethereal and lifted with some saline quality and lots of ripe fruit with a tamarind, salty quality. Quite long. (JR)