2019 Cullen ‘Mangan East Block` Malbec/Petit Verdot Margaret River, Western Australia – buy online

WHO?

Cullen Wines is a biodynamically certified, carbon-neutral, and powered by natural energy winery whose philosophy is summed up in three simple words: quality, integrity, and sustainability. Established in 1971 by Dr. Kevin and Diana Cullen, while currently helmed by their daughter Vanya, the winery has built an almost cult reputation for wines that redefine the style within the biodynamic discipline and regularly win globally prestigious awards and accolades. In 2019, celebrating 30 years at the helm, Vanya received a double honor as ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the Australian Women in Wine Awards and the Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

WHERE?

Cullen is one of the oldest and certainly the most awarded wineries in Wilyabrup, in Margaret River, perhaps the most famous region in Western Australia. The Mangan vineyard is adjacent to the Cullen vineyard in Wilyabrup. In the ‘East Block’ section of the vineyard, Malbec is deeply rooted and nurtured in the Scott Henry trellising system, increasing sun exposure and thus grape quality. Petit Verdot is also planted in gravelly soil and yields minimal crops of extremely concentrated clusters.

WHY?

Cullen Winery follows the maxim that great wines are made in the vineyard. Therefore, before planting, extreme attention is paid to selecting the best possible location. The quality of red wines is largely assessed by the maturity and quality of the tannins themselves. From this comes the style framed by those finely grained tannins gently extracted from the grapes or vines whose yield is symbolically low. The unusual combination of Malbec and Petit Verdot leads to dark berry fruits (black currant, cranberry, blueberry), dark chocolate, and spices. The bouquet is never overripe or overwhelming, but filigree precise and delicate. Well-balanced acidity combined with impressively calibrated tannins elevate the entire composition to an almost balletic level. A subtle touch of oak adds an extra dimension, and even though it is still in its embryonic stage, it is hard to resist…