Tasting Notes for Cullen Cabernet Merlot 2024 from the Winery 

2024 vintage was the hottest, driest and earliest harvest on record. Rainfall turned off like a tap at the end of September 2023, with nominally no rain until the season broke in May 2024. But with sunshine comes flavour and 2024 does not disappoint in fruit weight and concentration, with small but precise yielding 4.2 ton/Ha at Cullen Vineyard for the Cabernet Sauvignon.

2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is a straight blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, with has created a wine of great depth supported by delicious fine-grained tannins.

Vintage Notes

2024 vintage was the hottest, driest and earliest harvest on record. Rainfall turned off like a tap at the end of September 2023, with nominally no rain until the season broke in May 2024. Unseasonable warmth all through the growing season combined with heatwaves in January meant harvest started early and was over extremely quickly.

But with sunshine comes flavour and 2024 does not disappoint in fruit weight and concentration. No rain and plenty of sun means wines hit their optimal ripeness (albeit earlier than expected!) and created wines with great depth of flavour and extract.

The ample marri blossom and dry conditions meant both bird and disease pressure was low, the main thing keeping us awake at night was the water stress on our dry grown vines. Both whites and reds show opulence and power that so far show great promise for the future.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard: Multi Vineyard Blend

Varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot

Harvest: Picked the 12th, 15th and 21st of February on 2 flower days and one fruit day. Skin contact time 5-11 days.

Oak: 8 months in 23% new oak

Alcohol: 13%

Tasting Notes

Colour: Ripe mulberry with purple tinges.

Cellar: Enjoy now or for up to 20 years.

Bouquet: Intense array of ironstone and cigar box, lined with elegant floral spices of sage and red capsicum and expansive mulberry, violets, rose.

Palate: The fine-grained tannins framed the journey of attractive and perfumed wild red fruits transitioning into firm rich dark chocolate, blackcurrants with elegant glances of cedar and sandalwood. The lingering shows class, integrity and complexity.

Food: Seasoned Venison, Lamb cutlets, pork belly and roasted vegetables.

(SKU: CW_CSM_CV)