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2019 Kevin John Magnum

This wine, our flagship 2019 Kevin John has been sourced from our old chardonnay vines planted in 1976-1988. They are Gin Gin Clone, also known as the Old Wente Clone originally from UC Davis. They produce tiny yields of the best quality fruit.

Smallest volume since 1997: frost in October which resulted in 60% yield reduction.

Harvest took place from 12th February until 28th February with one pick on a Moon opposite Saturn Flower day, and the remaining fruit harvested on fruit days according to the biodynamic calendar. The bunches were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and the juice racked to barrel. The parcel of fruit from the Moon Opposite Saturn Harvest was fermented in amphorae before ageing in puncheons.

This stunning chardonnay went through 100% natural malolactic fermentation and spent a total of 8 months in French oak, of which 30% was new.

Vintage Notes

The defining weather event in the 2019 vintage was the frost in October, which caused a 60% yield reduction in our chardonnay, this was due to timing and the chardonnay being and early variety to go through budburst.

The weather conditions were relatively kind during the growing season although cooler, and harvest was short and sweet. This couldn’t have been better, as rains fell heavily shortly after harvest finished at Cullen’s. We are very excited about the quality of wines from the 2019 harvest, typical of a low yield year. Because of the cooler conditions there was no food for the birds and nets were being taken off as we were harvesting to prevent damage. If you didn’t have nets there was no harvest as the birds were starving. A low year for honey also as no blossom on the gum trees and cooler conditions.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard:  100% Cullen Vineyard

Varieties:  100% Chardonnay

Harvest:  From 12th February to 28th February. Fruit & Flower days

Oak: 100% for 8 months in French oak of which 30% was new. A combination of puncheons and a single barrique were selected for the barrel treatment.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Tasting Notes

Colour: Shows the density of the wine being light golden straw with green tinges. Cellar: Drink now or cellar with confidence for at least 20 years. Bouquet: Intriguing kaleidoscope of aromatics with white flower, orange blossom, fig, pear and kaffir lime Palate: Displays great length and tension with the usual the mineral acidity driving the delicious Kevin John flavours. Multi-layered with notes of lime, fig, dried pear and honeysuckle, leaving you salivating for more.
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Previous Releases

  • 2016 Kevin John Magnum

    Another great season for our vineyards and our 1976 Chardonnay vines produced some incredible fruit.

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  • 2017 Kevin John

    This is a wine defined by great purity, elegance and a fantastic acid backbone: a vintage destined for great ageing potential.

    Read more    View Tasting Notes

  • 2011 Kevin John Magnum

    When this wine was first tasted after it had been in bottle for a while, it was immediately evident that this Chardonnay is destined for a future that will place it in the upper echelon of the Kevin John Chardonnays produced thus far.

    Read more    View Tasting Notes