wine: red
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Cullen `Diana Madeline` Margaret River (Organic, Biodynamic)
Producer
Cullen’s 28 hectares of vineyards are located in the Wilyabrup part of Margaret River... Founded in 1965 by Di and Kevin Cullen, the winemaking is now managed by their daughter Vanya. Passion and a strong sense of responsibility to the land define Vanya’s biodynamic approach to viticulture, while pioneering environmental initiatives led to Cullen becoming Australia’s first carbon neutral winery in 2007.Vineyards
The soils at Cullen are old granite and gravelly sandy loam, overlaying lateric subsoils. The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard comprises 11.33 hectares and was planted in 1971. The Merlot vineyard was planted in 1976 and covers 1.76 hectares. The vines are Scott Henry trellised, which yields grapes of high tannins and flavours. Vanya feels that her conversion to biodynamic viticulture has given her better fruit, the character of which she has preserved during the winemaking process. She is determined to ensure that these characters are retained in the bottle, and feels that this is best done by using a Stelvin closure.Vinification
Vinification The grapes were grown biodynamically and harvested by hand. The fruit was picked at Baumés ranging from 12.0 ° to 13.7° and fermentated with natural yeasts. Cullen have returned to the old and well established practice of using basket presses. The varieties were vinified separately and aged for 13 months in French oak barriques, 55% of which were new.Tasting Notes
Winemakers Comments Vanya has referred to the 2009 vintage as the Mozart vintage because all of the red and white wines produced in that year are in perfect harmony and balance. The quality, purity and vibrancy of the fruit produced in 2009 is exquisitely expressed in this wine. Tasting Notes Deep red with strong purple tinges. Very attractive blend of violet and red current aromas on the nose. Fresh red current flavours with a touch of plum are in perfect balance with the firm but unobtrusive tannins. Great length and persistence. An elegant yet substantial wine.| Vintage | 2009 |
| Grape varieties | 88% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Cabernet Franc 4% Merlot 2% Malbec |
| Region | Margaret River, Western Australia |
| Winemaker | Vanya Cullen |
| Closure | |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12.5%% |
| Case of 6 | £359.94 |
