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- The second release of this exceptional wine
- A pure expression of an outstanding Cullen Wilyabrup vintage
- Truly a world class wine - comparable with the greatest producers of Europe
Tasting Notes -+
Colour Dark Red
Nose "There’s a plume of fine perfume, spiced, gently woody, dark in fruit and lifted on undergrowth and peppery spice character. " - Mike Bennie
Palate " Its purity of varietal fruit expression, its perfect fruit/oak/tannin balance and its length are exceptional" - James Halliday
Food Pairing Wagyu with spinach, stuffed mushrooms, hazelnuts and red wine jus
Cellaring 15+ Years
Notes "Cullen’s extraordinary ‘Vanya’ release created quite a stir from 2012, and returns in 2015 having been fermented and matured in amphora before a shorter (five month) stint in oak (two thirds of which are new). The currency of vessels aside, the fruit, grown biodynamically of course, is from older vines under the care of Cullen. An emphatic assertion about Australia, Margaret River, fine wine Down Under, and the dedication of the Cullen family." Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
Winery -+
Cullen
In the Australian wine industry, few names are so revered as Cullen out of Western Australia's Margaret River. From its inception in 1966 by Dr. Kevin and Diana Cullen, this winery has seen only premium viticulture and winemaking practices in order to produce equally exceptional wines. First planted in 1971, the site now totals over 18 acres of vineyards planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In 1989 Diana Cullen handed the winemaking reins over to her daughter Vanya, who continues to hold that position in addition to Managing Director.
With the goal to express the vineyard character through its wines, Vanya converted to biodynamic viticulture and uses a minimal intervention approach; the vines are dry-grown and low yielding in order to produce intensely flavored grapes. All pruning and harvesting is done by hand and fermentation occurs using natural yeasts. In addition to it being biodynamic, Cullen is also a Carbon Neutral and a naturally powered estate, respecting the environment to sustaining the land for many years to come.
With the goal to express the vineyard character through its wines, Vanya converted to biodynamic viticulture and uses a minimal intervention approach; the vines are dry-grown and low yielding in order to produce intensely flavored grapes. All pruning and harvesting is done by hand and fermentation occurs using natural yeasts. In addition to it being biodynamic, Cullen is also a Carbon Neutral and a naturally powered estate, respecting the environment to sustaining the land for many years to come.
Region -+
Margaret River
Margaret River is the name of a river, town and key wine region. It is one of the younger viticultural regions in Australia, quickly gaining popularity for its world-class wine. Located 280km South of Perth in Western Australia, the first plantings were only made in 1967. The region has grown rapidly and is recognised as one of the great wine-producing regions of the world, with over 200 wineries in operation. Made up of predominantly boutique producers, with a number of big player wineries also, the region makes up only 3% of the Australian wine production, but commands over 20% of the premium wine market. The wineries in the region are vibrant, innovative and progressive in their approach to viticulture.
The Mediterranean style climate provides superior maritime growing conditions, with vines not affected by extreme summer and winter temperatures. The region is well known for producing outstanding red wines; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and to a lesser extent Shiraz, Tempranillo and Malbec. Both straight varietals and famous Bordeaux blends can be outstanding.
In the white wines, Chardonnays of great depth and character, and fresh Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends are the main varietals the region is famous for. Lesser quantities of Viognier, Riesling and Muscat are also produced.
The Mediterranean style climate provides superior maritime growing conditions, with vines not affected by extreme summer and winter temperatures. The region is well known for producing outstanding red wines; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and to a lesser extent Shiraz, Tempranillo and Malbec. Both straight varietals and famous Bordeaux blends can be outstanding.
In the white wines, Chardonnays of great depth and character, and fresh Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends are the main varietals the region is famous for. Lesser quantities of Viognier, Riesling and Muscat are also produced.
97+
points
Mike Bennie
A wine of immense presence yet understatement and finesse. Succulence in texture, fine, powdery tannins reaching impossibly long in the palate, a deep stain of black berries and bayleaf – sounds familiar but it’s the way its packed so impossibly finely into its neat, filigree frame where the magic is. There’s a plume of fine perfume, spiced, gently woody, dark in fruit and lifted on undergrowth and peppery spice character. So much charm here. And quiet power. And precision in the way it hits the mouth tight, building in grip, lingering with mouthwatering readiness. Elegance in wine can be ephemeral as concept or definition, but here’s one for Encyclopaedia Britannica. Outstanding.
Drink : 2018 - 2030+
Drink : 2018 - 2030+
99
points
James Halliday
Two-thirds whole berries/one-third crushed into 300l terracotta amphorae for wild fermentation, 10 weeks on skins before pressed to French oak (66% new) for 5 months. Stripping away all the obvious questions re price - and yes, it is cheap compared to Grange and Hill of Grace - this is a truly beautiful and graceful cabernet. Its purity of varietal fruit expression, its perfect fruit/oak/tannin balance and its length are exceptional, and amply justify Vanya Cullen's belief the wine will age well for at least 50 years.
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