The 2005 vintage ranks
with 1999 and 2002 as exceptional among recent vintages for white
wines at Cullen Wines. The growing season up to December was dry
and cool. The yields were low due to the production of small bunches
of small grapes, but these possessed extraordinarily intense flavours.
Because of their low yields, the grapes ripened early, with the
result that all of the Sauvignon Blanc was harvested before the
end of March, rather than during April as in a typical vintage.
The marri trees in March were also adorned with abundant blossom,
which meant that the birds, and particularly the silvereyes, were
diverted to other sources of food than grapes.

The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon were picked to produce an average
Baumé of 13.5. Twenty seven percent of the wine underwent
barrel fermentation in new French oak using wild yeasts and was
matured for five months in that oak.