Tom Cully 2018

Located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, the vineyard that produces this wine lies in the northern part of the region, in the historic Wilyabrup area, the birthplace of Vasse Felix's first plantings. Influenced by the proximity of the Indian Ocean, the temperate maritime climate promotes slow and even ripening of the grapes. The well-drained, gravelly soils contribute structure and finesse, while the moderate altitude and ocean breezes help preserve the wine's freshness and balance.

The grapes for the 2018 Tom Cullity vintage are hand-harvested, sorted, and destemmed before fermentation in stainless steel and wooden vats, with extended maceration and gentle punch-downs to extract color and tannins. After pressing, the wines are transferred to French oak barrels, mostly new and one-year-old, for extended aging to preserve aromatic finesse and structure, before final blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of blackcurrant , blueberry , and black cherry , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and spicy nuances of pepper and clove. Woody accents of cedar, fine tobacco, and dark chocolate mingle with a subtle mineral dimension. The palate presents a full and silky texture, supported by fresh acidity, firm yet refined tannins, and a long, lingering finish, balanced between fruit and spice.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.