x
  • Country ranking ?

    147
  • Producer ranking ?

    9
  • Decanting time

    3h
  • When to drink

    now to 2035

The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.

Close

The Story

Vanya Cullen has taken her cabernet merlot into the top echelon of Australian Cabernet through dogged determination, curiosity and superb technical skills. The exemplary vineyard site is planted on ancient granitic soils in the central Willyabrup sub-region of Margaret River. Cullen has adopted the principles of biodynamic viticulture to “achieve greater individuality of site through working with nature rather than against it”. This estate sty...

Close

Wine Information

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Deeply perfumed on the nose with delicious aromas of violets, wild rose, mulberry and cigar box. Both light and intense on the palate with fruit density, balance and opulence. Fine tannins float across the palate, revealing notes of plum, rose and chocolate. Cullen Wines is a certified biodynamic, carbon neutral and naturally powered estate, with their philoso...

Close

Latest Pro-tasting notes

<10 tasting notes

Tasting note

Be the first one to make a 20s tasting note!

Written Notes

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot. From the Cullen vineyard, planted in 1971, the Cabernet Sauvignon comprises 11.33 ha, while the Merlot was planted in 1976 and covers 1.76 ha. Scott Henry trellis. Vanya Cullen believes that the conversion to biodynamic viticulture has produced better fruit. Frost reduced the yields. Harvest began on 20 March and finished on 3 April. Yields were lower than 2018. Hand-picked fruit. Each variety was fermented separately with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation time ranged from 10 to 29 days before the wine was gently basket-pressed to barrel. It matured for 15 months in French oak, of which 45% was new, in a mixture of 'biodynamic' barriques and puncheons. Screwcap. TA 5.5 g/l, pH 3.69. Carbon neutral, certified biodynamic, certified organic, sustainable, vegetarian, vegan.


Deep dark red. Elegant aroma which is marked by cassis and a light leafiness and a suggestion of Cabernet Franc's characteristic blackcurrant-leaf quality. Dry, refined tannins giving a dry mineral character. Plush and full in the mouth, the mineral character as much in the tannins as in flavour. ‘Toast to mum’, says Vanya Cullen. Smoky but not reductive. Layers of paper-fine tannins. Elegant. Opens up to a slight note of curry leaf. Or is it tobacco, or both? Very, very dry without being drying. Ultimate in refinement. (JH)

  • 95p
Load more notes

Information

Origin

Margaret River, Margaret River
Incorrect Information
If you found some information that is wrong, let us know
Are you sure you want do delete this wine? All information will be lost.
Are you sure you want to recommend this wine?
Are you sure you want hide this written note ?
Are you sure you want show this written note ?
UPGRADE MEMBER PLAN
Upgrade your membership now, it's quick and easy. We use PayPal, the world's largest payment system, it accepts all credit cards. Once you've chosen your membership level, you'll go directly to PayPal. You can cancel your membership at any time.
Thank you for your support!
 

Pro Member

 

Winemerchant Member

 

Winery Member

 

User

 
Type a message ...
Register to Tastingbook
Sign up now, it's quick and easy.
We use PayPal, the world's largest payment system, it accepts all credit cards.
Once you've chosen your membership level, you'll go directly to PayPal, where you can sign up for a free 7-day trial period. You can cancel your membership at any time. We wish you a rewarding journey to the world of Fine Wines.

Free 7 days Member trial

 

Member

 

Pro Member

 

Winemerchant Member

 

Winery Member

 

User

  Register