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2022 Cullen Vineyard Merlot

The 2022 Cullen Vineyard Merlot gives a rare glimpse into the quality of old vine (planted in 1976) Merlot from Cullen Vineyard. Almost a collectable as this wine from these vines will never be made again as we are replanting our merlot to a better clone as part of our old vine strategy. The vines were grown on tough to grow soil with shallow granite a metre below the surface. Always dry farmed and struggled.

Also certified biodynamic. This wine was hand harvested on a flower day before being crushed to tank, left on skins for 21 days being fermented without additions. The wine was then matured for a further 14 months in biodynamic barrels of which 33% were new. A unique expression of Cullen culture never to be seen again!

 

 

Vintage Notes

2022 vintage grew wines of immense perfume and texture. The cooler season and low yields ensured that the health of the vines and hence the fruit quality. Exceptionally good for chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and of course Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard:  100% Cullen vineyard

Varieties:  92% Merlot,  8% Petit Verdot

Harvest Dates:  11th March 2022 on a flower day

Alcohol:  13.5%

Oak:  33% New oak

 

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep mulberry with dark red brick. Cellar: Enjoy now or for up to 20 years Bouquet: Berry, red fruits ironstone, chocolate, raspberry pencil shavings. Food: Lamb, beef or beetroot Palate: Raspberry fruit, gentle tannins wrapping around the palate and letting the sweet fruit move in a delicate way through the palate with incredible length and persistence. This delicate varietal old vine wine has elegance and structure whilst showing the drinkability of Merlot. The Petit Verdot adds length and complexity.

$80.00

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Previous Releases

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    Made from 100% Mangan Vineyard fruit. A blend of 82% Malbec and 18% Petit Verdot, there were very low yields of Petit Verdot in 2020.

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  • 2019 Mangan East Block

    This quality wine was produced on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate. This vintage is a blend of 81% Malbec and 19% Petit Verdot.

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  • 2016 Mangan East Block Magnum

    The grapes were harvested from the prime selections of the eastern blocks of the Mangan vineyard. Excellent growing season with good spring rains.

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  • 2015 Mangan East Block

    This vintage is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Petit Verdot. It was naturally fermented, basket pressed and then matured for 7 months in equal portions of new and seasoned French oak.

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  • 2018 Mangan East Block

    The grapes were harvested from the prime selections of the eastern blocks of the Mangan vineyard, as usual showcasing the best of the specific season.

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