Cullen, `Kevin John` Margaret River Chardonnay 2019
*** Available Mid March, Strict Allocation ***
Country: Australia Region: Western Australia Vintage: 2019
Category: White Wine Color: White
Producer: Cullen
"Cullen Wines is a certified biodynamic, carbon neutral and naturally powered estate, with their philosophy summed up in three simple words: 'Quality, Integrity and Sustainability'. It is one of the oldest and most awarded family wineries in Western Australia's famous Margaret River region. First established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen, the winery has built an outstanding reputation for biodynamic wines that receive great acclaim.
Di and Kevin's youngest daughter Vanya, who has worked at the winery since 1983, became Chief Winemaker in 1989 and Managing Director in 1999. She has worked tirelessly to develop the winery over this time, first introducing organic farming in 1998 and then, in 2004, saw it classified as a fully certified biodynamic estate. In 2000, she was named the Qantas/The Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year, becoming the first West Australian, and first woman, to do so.
All wines produced are sourced from grapes grown on the Cullen and adjoining Mangan Vineyards. Both sites are certified biodynamic. Cullen Wines are made with no additions of yeast, acid or tannins. Cullen's flagship wines, the Diana Madeline and the Kevin John, are among the very best of their styles in Australia and beyond.
The 'Mangan' Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon and Merlot/Malbec/Petit Verdot are fruit driven wines which express the site on which the grapes are grown. The 'Mangan' East Block 2013 is a blend of 58% Petit Verdot and 42% Malbec from fruit grown on the prime eastern corner of the vineyard. It is opulent, vibrant and beautifully balanced. New to the list this autumn is the Mangan Vineyard Semillon, which displays attractive florality and white peach notes. The Late Harvest Semillon, made from cane cut Semillon grown on the Mangan vineyard, is rich and luscious balanced by crisp acidity, and completes the range perfectly."
Product Features: Certified Biodynamic;Certified Organic
Winemaker: Vanya Cullen
Vineyards:
This wine was named after Kevin John Cullen, a pioneer of the Margaret River wine region. Together with his wife Diana, they planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon in Wilyabrup, establishing Cullen Wines in 1971. All the Chardonnay grapes were grown on the Cullen's own vineyards where the vines are more than 30 years old. Winemaker Vanya feels that her conversion to biodynamic viticulture has given better fruit, the character of which she has preserved during the winemaking process.
Vinification:
This wine is made on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate. Following harvest, the Chardonnay grapes were whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast in French oak barriques. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation prior to receiving nine months of oak maturation. 30% of the barrels were new and the remainder were one year old.
Tasting Notes:
Brilliant light gold with intense citrus, pear and tropical fruit aromas that are enhanced by the light oak treatment. The flavours are rich and complex, combining fresh pear, grapefruit, lime and papaya. The finish is wonderfully balanced by the citrusy acidity.
Food Suggestion: Excellent with grilled crayfish with a coriander mayonnaise.
Closure: Stelvin ABV:14%
