Cullen Wilyabrup Cabernet Merlot 2024
Cullen Wilyabrup Cabernet Merlot
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Vintage: 2024
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
ABV: 13%
The wine is a ripe mulberry colour with purple tinges. The nose is intense and layered, showing notes of ironstone and cigar box, lifted by elegant floral spices of sage and red capsicum, alongside expansive aromas of mulberry, violet, and rose. On the palate, fine-grained tannins frame a progression of perfumed wild red fruits into firmer flavours of dark chocolate and blackcurrant, with refined touches of cedar and sandalwood. The finish is long and composed.
Fruit for Cullen Wines is sourced entirely from the estate's certified organic, biodynamic and dry-farmed vineyards, with 48% sourced from the Cullen vineyard and 52% from the Metricup vineyard. The soils at Cullen are old granite and gravelly sandy loam, overlaying lateric subsoils. The Cullen vineyard comprises 11.33 hectares and was planted in 1971. The vines are Scott Henry trellised, which yields grapes of high tannins and flavours. Vanya feels that her conversion to biodynamic viticulture has given her better fruit, the character of which she has preserved during the winemaking process.
The biodynamically grown grapes were hand-harvested on 12th, 15th and 21st February, over two flower days and one fruit day. Fermentation was carried out with indigenous yeasts, with skin contact lasting between five and 11 days. The fruit was pressed using traditional basket presses before ageing for eight months in oak, with 23% new barrels.
Cullen Wines is a certified biodynamic, carbon neutral and naturally powered estate, with a philosophy summed up in three simple words: ‘Quality, Integrity and Sustainability’. Having celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, it is one of the oldest and most awarded family wineries in Western Australia’s famous Margaret River region. First established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen, the winery has built an outstanding reputation for biodynamic wines that receive great acclaim.
https://www.cullenwines.com.au