Description
FOUNDED: 1971 by Kevin & Diana Cullen
OWNER: The Cullen Family
WINEMAKER: Vanya Cullen
CLIMATE: Mediterranean
PROFILE: A founding winery of Margaret River, Cullen was established in 1971 by pioneering winemakers Kevin and Diana Cullen. In redefining the style of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the 1970s, the fledgling estate caught the attention of the nation. Since then, an unrelenting commitment to quality, integrity and sustainability has positioned Cullen as one of Australia’s greatest estates – and Margaret River as one of the nation’s premier wine-producing regions. The mature, biodynamically farmed vineyard produces elegant, age-worthy wines that draw world-wide critical acclaim, including what is regarded by many as the country’s definitive Bordeaux blend.
VITICULTURE: The Cullen vineyard is one of Margaret River’s greatest viticultural sites. Carefully selected by founders Kevin and Diana Cullen, the well-draining, gravelly soils are complemented by a maritime climate of warm, sun-filled days tempered by the surrounding Indian and Southern oceans. The mature, low-yielding vineyard is dry-grown, hand-tended and trellised according to variety. In addition, since taking the reins in 1989, Vanya Cullen has steered the estate through biodynamic certification, with the aim of optimizing soil health and achieving a pure expression of site. This union of outstanding natural attributes and constant evolution provides Cullen with a rare platform from which to craft benchmark quality, terroir driven wines.
WINEMAKING: The foundation of the Cullen winemaking philosophy is to achieve optimum site expression with minimal intervention. Having inherited a vineyard that yields some of the Margaret River region’s most distinctive fruit, Vanya Cullen all but lets the wines make themselves. The team painstakingly hand-sorts all fruit, makes use of indigenous yeasts, avoids all winemaking additions, uses French oak judiciously and minimizes fining and filtering prior to bottling. In this way, the Cullens are working with nature rather than attempting to control it, therein allowing the wines to be defined by a sense of place rather than winemaking techniques.
This outstanding Bordeaux blend from the famed 2018 vintage displays densely flavored ripe dark fruits, complemented by savory nuances. The medium bodied palate features discrete fine-grained tannins, pristine natural acidity and an impressive length of flavor.
Blend: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Critical Acclaim
WE93
Wine Enthusiast
This Cab-dominant blend, from one of Margaret River’s founding wineries, encompasses the essence of the region. Brambly fruit mingles with notes of tomato stem, tobacco leaf, black olive and menthol, supported by polished, cherry cola-like oak. The palate is medium bodied, while the crunchy, vibrant fruit is tempered by taut, sappy, textural tannins. Drink now–2040.
JS93
James Suckling
A convincing rendering of this very drinkable, concentrated and vibrant red blend. Aromas of dark cherries, blueberries and plums, as well as licorice, leaves, roasting herbs, cedar and subtle spices. The palate is fresh with red-berry, cherry and blue-fruit flavors and is crisply defined by long, vibrant tannins. Drink or hold.
WS91
Wine Spectator
The earthy, herbal notes of this red are intense, creating a dark bass note to complement the concentrated currant, spiced plum and blackberry flavors. Black tea, eucalyptus and clary sage notes linger. The focus, tightness and complexity suggest a good candidate for cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2040.
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