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The ratio of Sauvignon
Blanc to Semillon is varied each year to reflect the relative qualities
of these two varieties in that vintage. Thus, in 2003, when the
Semillon was particularly outstanding, it contributed just over
half of the final blend. However, in 2004, the Sauvignon Blanc vines
yielded such superb fruit that it was decided that this variety
should be dominant. The final ratio selected for the 2004 vintage
was therefore 77% Sauvignon Blanc to 23% Semillon. The fruit was
picked over Baumés ranging from 11.8 to 13.5 for the Sauvignon
Blanc and from 11.3 to 13.0 for the Semillon. This range thus combines
both fresh and ripe characters and thereby contributes to the wine’s
complexity. Eighteen percent of the wine was fermented in new French
barriques using wild yeast.
| Colour: |
Pale straw
with green tinges |
| Bouquet: |
Delicate combination
of honeysuckle, cut grass and citrus fruit aromas |
| Palate: |
Subtle pineapple and
grapefruit flavours are perfectly balanced by the crisp acidity.
Palate has great length, which is due, in particular, to the
natural yeast fermentation |
| Cellaring: |
10 years |
| Food: |
Crustaceans, oysters,
fish and mild Asian dishes |
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Peter Bourne,
The Sydney Magazine
The Sydney Morning Herald Thursday, 25 August
2005
"Vanya Cullen’s latest offering is light and fresh yet rich
and multifaceted. It shows a generosity of flavour and richness
of texture. The aromas are of lemon zest and lemon grass. The palate
is potent yet shows delicacy and restraint. The finish is long,
lingering and graceful – a wine that oozes style and panache."
James Halliday, The Weekend Australian
18-19 June 2005
"The two biodynamic wines released from Cullen are the 2004
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon ($35; 92 points) and the 2004 Mangan ($45;
93 points); both prices cellar door. The Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
has that unmistakable Margaret River combination of grass, herb
and citrus aromas and flavours, with oak a mere background whisper
(18 per cent was fermented in new French barriques with no cultured
yeasts). Vibrant and fruity, it can be consumed with total enjoyment
now or during the next 10 years. The 2004 Mangan is a highly unusual
blend of 60 per cent malbec and 40 per cent petit verdot; profoundly
rich, deep and fruity, it is nonetheless so super-smooth you barely
notice the tannins that come behind the black cherry, blackberry,
mocha and coffee aromas and flavours. Without question, the best
yet under the Mangan label, and you can have it with a screwcap
or cork closure."
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