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Cullen `Kevin John` Margaret River Chardonnay (Organic, Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral)
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
This wine was named after Kevin John Cullen, one of the pioneers of the Margaret River wine region. Together with his wife Diana, they planted the first ¼ acre of Cabernet Sauvignon in Wilyabrup, establishing Cullen Wines in 1971. All the Chardonnay grapes were grown on the Cullen‘s own vineyards where some of the vines are more than 30 years old. Winemaker 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
The Chardonnay in 2009 was picked at ideal physiological ripeness, with sugar levels ranging from 12.1° to 13.5° Baumé. The fruit was hand harvested on a full moon on fruit days according to the best biodynamic practices and then whole bunch pressed using a traditional basket press. The must was barrel fermented using indigenous yeast in 100% new French oak barrels, and was matured for 9 months before malolactic fermentation.
Tasting Notes
Brilliant straw with green tinges. Complex, peach and citrus fruit aromas are backed by subtle vanilla oak. Integrated pure pear and peach fruit flavours are complemented by the crisp acidity and quality oak aging. Superbly balanced with great length.
| Vintage |
2009 |
| Grape varieties |
Chardonnay |
| Region |
Margaret River, Western Australia |
| Winemaker |
Vanya Cullen |
| Closure |
|
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13.5%% |
