Tasting Notes for Cullen Cabernet Merlot 2023 from the Winery 

2023 was a brilliant year for Cabernet Sauvignon and proved perfect ripening for Cabernet Sauvignon and merlot and Cullen vineyard. Made from 100% bio-dynamically certified fruit a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot,1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec has created a wine of great depth supported by delicious fine grained tannins.

The wine was matured in barriques of which 20% were new.

Colour: Garnet with purple tinges

Bouquet: Mulberry, blueberry, plum, violets, rose

Palate: Unctuous fruit and juicy. Chocolate, ironstone, cigar box and delicious fine-grained tannins which frame the fruit, leaving a delicious lingering complex aftertaste of Cullen cabernet merlot blend.

Cellar: Up to 20 years

Food: Serve with: Wagyu beef and roast root vegetables

Vintage Notes

Vintage 2023 was a low yielding vintage which resulted in some stunning grapes and hence quality wine. In particular Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited the best typicity of varietal manifestation. The 52 year old vines consistently yield well year on year out.

The growing conditions until December were cold and wet and due to the negative Indian dipole and La Niña effects finishing in December 2022 we had an unprecedented dry spell from December until the end of harvest.

Small berry size particularly in white grape varieties produced beautifully balanced wines; Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Malbec all outstanding.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard: 47% Cullen Vineyard, 53% Mangan Vineyard

Varieties: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 1% Malbec

Harvest Dates: Picked between 20th and 21st March on New Moon flower days

Oak:  8 months in 20% new oak

Alcohol:  13%

Cullen Wines

Grown in the ancient soils of Wilyabrup, Cullen wine comes from the heart of the land rather than the mind of the winemaker. They are the only biodynamic and carbon positive winery in the region. 

(SKU: CW_CSM_23)