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The exceptionally cool
weather in the summer of 2006, with daily temperatures never exceeding
23°C, led to the latest harvest of Chardonnay ever recorded
at Cullen Wines. Although the cool ripening conditions produced
very elegant and powerful chardonnay fruit with great natural acidity,
it also led to very low yields. Indeed, the total production of
Chardonnay in 2006 was approximately 50% below that of a typical
vintage at Cullen Wines.
The quality of this Chardonnay reflects both the concentration of
the fruit that resulted from the low yields and the use, for only
the second year, of fruit grown entirely on the Cullen Wines own
vineyards. Furthermore, the vines are now very well established,
comprising one group planted over 30 years ago and another 20 years
ago. The above factors, combined with the beneficial effects of
a biodynamic approach to viticulture, have all contributed to the
excellence and individuality of the Chardonnay produced in 2006
and to this wine even rivalling in quality even the great Chardonnay
made in 2005.
The wine virtually made itself requiring neither the addition of
artificial yeasts nor acid. The wine was matured in 6 months French
oak, of which 50% was new.
| Colour: |
Golden straw with green tinges |
| Bouquet: |
Complex amalgam of lemon, papaya, pineapple,
honey, roast almond, nougat, vanillin oak and barrel ferment
aromas |
| Palate: |
Tightly structured and with great depth, intensity
and length. The youthful melon and lime fruit flavours are wonderfully
silky and balanced by good acidity and just the right amount
of oak |
| Cellaring: |
Drinking superbly already but has the potential
to develop for a further 5 to 7 years |
| Food: |
Scallops, prawns, mild fish dishes, chicken
and quail |
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Ray Jordan, The West Australian,
Saturday 16 August 2008
Named in honour of Kevin Cullen, who did so much
to foster Chardonnay in Margaret River. There is a purity and precision
about this outstanding wine from a very cool vintage. Crop was well
down, but the fruit concentration and power are adequate compensation.
Crunchy, minerally grapefruit flavour and a long sustained palate.
A great wine. 94 / 100.
Jeff Collerson, Sydney Daily Telegraph
Saturday 16 August
2008
The late Kevin John Cullen so believed in Margaret River
Chardonnay’s potential he created an International Annual
Tasting of the variety that is in its 23rd year. Cool conditions
in 2006 slashed Cullen’s production by 50 percent. This is
a textbook example of Chardonnay with fresh stone fruit aromas and
an intense minerally and nutty fruit personality.
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald,
Tuesday 9 September
2008
This Margaret River winery delivers a generously flavoured
wine scented by apricot, pawpaw and passionfruit. It’s fine
and tight but also generous and giving, with lovely acid balance
and vivacity. Now to six years –plus. 97 / 100.
Bob and Jenni Heinicke,
Travel, food and wine writers for South Coast Media
31 March 2009
A Cullen ‘flagship’ which reflects the barrel fermentation way of this winery. Touch of French oak, crisp finish, excellent balance. This is a deservedly more expensive wine.
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