2023 Cullen Grace Madeline

This wine sits at the top of Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blends in this country. More outstanding work from Vanya Cullen and team.

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Sale price$40.00
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Description

This supremely crafted expression of Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is Vanya Cullen's ode to her maternal Grandmother, Grace Madeline Cullen.

Margaret River is arguably ground zero for serious, cellar-worthy examples of this famous Bordeaux white blend. Cullen does it just about better than anyone else.

The balance is spot on, with Sauvignon showing its vivid, vibrant tropical fruit and Semillon lending the spine-tingling acidity and minerality which keeps it focused and set for a long life in the cellar.

Textural, taut and spotless in execution, this is a brilliant release from this star WA producer.

95 points
"Bright straw yellow hue. Fragrant and detailed nose, white nectarine, roasting cumin seeds and wattle blossom aromas all lifting from the glass. Medium in weight with supple stone fruit at the core that is layered with roasted yellow spices and honey florals all building complexity. Acidity is present but stays in the shadows, allowing the palate to flow with a seamless integrity that delights the senses."
- Stuart Knox (The Real Review)

Grace Madeline wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (75%) and Semillon (25%), planted on their own roots in 1976 on Cullen Estate. These vines are certified biodynamic and carbon neutral. It is fitting that the wine be named after Grace Madeline, Diana Madeline’s mother. Grace, originally from London, lived most of her life in Tasmania and was a suffragette, who loved nature as well as being mother to three daughters.

The first blend of this type was made at Cullen Wines in 1979, from Cullen Estate fruit and it has become one of the flagship blends of the region since that time. The fruit was harvested in March 2023 between 6th March 12th March on the full moon fruit days and some flower and fruit days. The phenolic tension and fine tannins comes in part from overnight skin contact and texture from barrel fermentation and concrete egg fermentation. The average time in oak for the Sauvignon Blanc after natural yeast, fermentation, with no additions of acid yeast etc. was 8 months in 100% biodynamic puncheons, 85% of which were new. The Semillon component was tank fermented. This wine will age well under screwcap for at least 15 years.

Vineyard: 100% Cullen Vineyard

Varieties: 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon

Harvest: Picked between 6th and 15th March on fruit and flower days, including a MOSH full Moon fruit day.

Oak: 8 months in 85% new oak

Alcohol: 13.5%

95 points - "Bright straw yellow hue. Fragrant and detailed nose, white nectarine, roasting cumin seeds and wattle blossom aromas all lifting from the glass. Medium in weight with supple stone fruit at the core that is layered with roasted yellow spices and honey florals all building complexity. Acidity is present but stays in the shadows, allowing the palate to flow with a seamless integrity that delights the senses." - Stuart Knox (The Real Review)

Cullen

The Cullen property has been in the Cullen family since 1948 with founders Diana Madeline and Kevin John planting the first vines on the farm in 1971.

Today Cullen sits as one of the top estates in Margaret River. Their impeccable versions of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are now both considered clear regional benchmarks.

The Cullen estate is farmed with a strict adherence to the principals of biodynamic farming. Current day owner and winemaker Vanya Cullen is one of the most outspoken advocates of the benefits of these practices in the industry and her results speak for themselves.

These are extraordinary wines that hold their own against the world's best. A gem of the Australian wine scene, to be sure.

Owner and winemaker, Vanya Cullen Cullen

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