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2023 Cullen Amber Wine

This year’s Amber is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon from the old vines planted on Cullen vineyard in 1976-1978. Hand harvested around the biodynamic calendar of the Moon opposite Saturn fruit day on 6th March 2023. Crushed to open fermenters to pick up tannin and phenolic tension and vitality from the 10 day of skin contact. The wine was then aged in 25% new oak for 7 months.

 

Vintage Notes

Vintage 2023 was a low yielding vintage which resulted in some stunning grapes and hence quality wine. In particular Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited the best typicity of varietal manifestation. The 52 year old vines consistently yield well year on year out.

The growing conditions until December were cold and wet and due to the negative Indian dipole and La Niña effects finishing in December 2022 we had an unprecedented dry spell from December until the end of harvest.

Small berry size particularly in white grape varieties produced beautifully balanced wines; Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Malbec all outstanding.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard: 100% Cullen Vineyard.

Varieties: 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon.

Harvest: 6th March on a MOSH full Moon fruit day.

Oak: 7 months in  25% new oak

Alcohol: 12.5%

Tasting Notes

Colour: Golden with amber tinges Cellar: Drink now or up to 30 years. Bouquet: Oranges, negroni, wildstraw, almonds, mineral and orange blossom Food: Serve with cured meats, olives, sardines Palate: Tightly structured with zinging, energetic, ripe tannins, the palate dances like a group of people experiencing great joy; exuberant orange, pear, nutmeg and thyme, travelling way down the palate showing great complexity, structure and minerality.

$40.00

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Previous Releases

  • 2018 Cullen Amber Wine

    This new release of our Amber wine is a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc selected from our certified Biodynamic vineyard. The wine was left on the skins and fermented partially before being pressed off. The skin maceration went from 9 days to 44 days depending on the parcel. The fruit was processed in different vessels: open fermenters, closed tanks as well as amphorae. This explains some of the complexity and the many layers of this wine. We look at it being a natural step in creative as well as artisanal winemaking.

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  • 2020 Cullen Amber Wine

    This Amber wine is a blend of 52% sauvignon blanc and 48% semillon fruit, selected from our certified biodynamic Cullen Vineyard. The vines were planted from 1976-1978, and are grown on Scott Henry and Lyre trellising systems, allowing for healthy fruit to grow on vigorous vines with dense canopies. A small portion of this wine has come from younger sauvignon blanc vines, planted in 1988, contributing to the strength of character in the fruit profile.

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  • 2019 Cullen Amber Wine

    This new release of our Amber wine is a pure Sauvignon Blanc selected from our certified Biodynamic vineyard and was entirely fermented in amphora.

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