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To celebrate the tenth vintage release of TOM CULLITY, several leading wine writers revisited the wines through a 10 year vertical spanning 2013 to 2022. The experience offered a rare window into a decade of dedication to the legacy of Dr Tom Cullity, whose vision for elegant, age-worthy wines set the course for Margaret River’s fine wine story.
Across all ten vintages, one sentiment echoed clearly: these wines have aged beautifully and will continue to evolve for decades to come. Each vintage reveals a distinctive expression of the season, yet together they tell a single story, one of refinement, purity and a profound sense of place.
Erin Larkin, (writing for Robert Parker Wine Advocate), described the collection as a testament to consistency and craftsmanship. “A vertical is a fascinating exercise for any wine lover,” she said, “in that the impact of seasonality is clearly seen through the lens of these grand old vines. So many crucial elements about the growing and production remain consistent that consistently high scores seem to be the norm. I think Tom would have liked it.”
For Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion), the vertical underscored the wine’s deep connection to place. “What a stellar line-up,” she said, “perfectly highlighting the region’s oldest vines, vintage, seasons and a fabulous story that brings it all together.” Reflecting on the inaugural 2013 release, she added: “It was wonderful to revisit this wine… still youthful and super fine, with florals, peppi tree, joss sticks and potpourri, and a vibrancy belying its age. Supple, complex, beautiful tannins. Drinking superbly and will easily last another 10 years.”
Toni Paterson MW, tasting for Halliday Magazine, offered perhaps the ultimate endorsement: “It is probably one of the best Australian wines I’ve ever had... outstanding.”
Jeni Port (writing for Winepilot) recalled that “the TOM CULLITY project was impressive from day one, with aspirations to make one of Margaret River’s greatest and most age-worthy wines from the region’s oldest vines. A recent vertical of a decade of releases does not disappoint.”
Bringing the reflections together, Tom Kline, (writing for Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux) noted that the wines show Vasse Felix has indeed fulfilled Tom Cullity’s goal “of creating wines of elegance and restraint.” He described “mid-weight, finessed expressions with lifted floral complexity dancing around a core of vibrant fruit.” The cooler seasons, he said, accentuate floral tones and seductive fruit, while the warmer seasons capture the savoury, nori-like character so distinctive of Margaret River Cabernet. “Tom Cullity would have been thrilled by the wines bearing his name.”
A decade of TOM CULLITY tells a story of heritage and quiet confidence — wines that embody grace, depth and the enduring spirit of Margaret River.
