Cullen, `Cullen Vineyard` Margaret River, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2017

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 Wilyabrup, in Western Australia’s famous Margaret River region. First established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen and now run by their daughter Vanya, the winery has built an outstanding reputation for fine certified biodynamic wines that receive critical national and international acclaim. In 2019, celebrating 30 years at the helm, Vanya received double Winemaker of the Year honours at both the Australian Women in Wine Awards and the Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

VINEYARDS

Fruit is sourced exclusively from the Cullen Vineyard. The ancient soils are composed of granite and gravely sandy loam, overlaying lateritic subsoils. The vineyard is certified biodynamic and vines are dry-farmed. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are trained on a Lyre trellis due to their high vigour giving a great area for the leaves and fruit to grow on and enabling fruit to reach proper physiological ripeness.

VINIFICATION

The fruit was hand-harvested and barrel-fermented using natural yeasts, with no acid additions and limited fining. 60% of the wine was aged in French oak (70% new) for nine months, adding complexity and depth to the wine.

TASTING NOTES

This wine shows a delightful combination of aromas of fresh cut grass, spices and vanilla supported by tropical notes. Vibrant stone fruit flavours are lifted by citrus notes on the palate. This is a complex wine with toasty characteristics from the barrel fermentation and ageing.