{"product_id":"cullen-kevin-john-chardonnay-2022","title":"Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe flagship 2024 Kevin John Chardonnay is sourced from old chardonnay vines planted in 1976-1988. The \u003cspan\u003e biodynamically certified \u003c\/span\u003evineyard is planted to the Gin Gin Clone, also known as the Old Wente Clone, and produces tiny yields of the highest quality fruit. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The approach to viticulture and then winemaking means that this wonderful chardonnay from the 2022 vintage is as pure as you can get. The aromas are immediately complex and engaging with traces of talc and lime, a little pear and some nice roasted cashew. The palate kicks in with its power and precision displaying attractive savoury minerality, a little spice and vanilla bean and a rich buttery, though controlled textural feel in the mouth. The purity and expression of place is heightened by the fact it is bottle unfined and unfiltered. This is a window into one of the finest vineyards in the land.\"  Ray Jordan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eHand Harvested around the biodynamic calendar over 8 different harvest times from the 3rd to the 21st February. The fermentation took place in 50%  new biodynamic puncheons, where it was left to mature for a further 6 months. Battonage during fermentation and no fining filtration or cold stabilisation to bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\" \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cullen Wines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/VM8RStE-gPQ\" title=\"Cullen Wines\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"Cullen Wines\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/CullenVideo2_480x480_37dec335-0753-447e-89fb-fd920b1898ce_480x480.jpg?v=1720402521\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Cullen Wines\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/VM8RStE-gPQ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCullen Wines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The approach to viticulture and then winemaking means that this wonderful chardonnay from the 2022 vintage is as pure as you can get. It all sort of just happens under the umbrella of a fastidious and rigorously uncompromising biodynamic discipline. The aromas are immediately complex and engaging with traces of talc and lime, a little pear and some nice roasted cashew. The palate kicks in with its power and precision displaying attractive savoury minerality, a little spice and vanilla bean and a rich buttery, though controlled textural feel in the mouth. The purity and expression of place is heightened by the fact it is bottle unfined and unfiltered. This is a window into one of the finest vineyards in the land. Cellar 25 years.\"  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb\u003eRay Jordan, Wine pilot – 98 points\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eThe Chardonnays I have tasted so far from the 2022 vintage in Margaret River remind me of the 2014s, in their soft acidity and primal, almost unbound fruit power. Here, the 2022 Kevin John Chardonnay leads with crushed nuts, salted yellow peach, red apple skins, preserved citrus rind, yuzu, green tea and saltbush, before tumbling into the flavors in the mouth. Toffee apple, nuts, curry leaf and saffron. Concentrated, piercing and intense. The acid envelops the tongue and holds it hostage, while the fruit explodes with power. The Gingin clone is on show here. The wine trails to a soft, juicy finish. It is lingering, very good, excellent, even better after a gentle decant and served in a big Burgundy glass. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023 - 2037.\u003c\/span\u003e\"  \u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, The Wine Advocate - 97+ points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eEven if this is a rich rendition full of white stone fruit, quince paste with pomelo dusted in ginger powder and daikon radish, it has the Kevin John thumbprint. And while all that’s all well and lovely, it’s how this feels that makes it special: a density of fruit yet succulence, fleshy and full with umami lees, this is pulsing with flavour and energy and the oak gives off a savoury appearance. As always, compelling. \u003c\/span\u003eDrink by 2035.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eJane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion - 96 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"It’s still a little shy in the glass, which is understandable given its youth; however, it already shows vibrancy, purity and promise. Fresh sea spray, citrus pith, preserved lemon, wet stone and a crisp nectarine note, gentle nutmeg spice and a wild flintiness. The palate is rounded and suave. Flavours echo the nose with crunchy nectarine, white jasmine florals and some snow pea shoot prettiness alongside finely woven phenolics and preserved lemon salinity. With six months in fifty per cent new oak (biodynamic puncheons), its presence is distinctive yet balanced and will provide a cradle for the fruit to age within. Fantastic length, detailed texture and firm acidity. A truthful wine that expresses its place, people and vintage. Drink: 2023-2038.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eAngus Hughson\u003cb\u003e, Wine pilot – 96 points\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Glorious aromas of buckwheat, like cold soba noodles, melding with quince, roasted nuts, tangerine and apricot pith. Always an incredibly intense mid-weighted expression, this iteration is gentler and more refined in a sense, due to immaculate poise and drinkability quotient. I often find this wine a bit too much. Not this vintage. Maritime freshness and a waft of unresolved CO2 carry length. Compact and filigreed. Almost breezy, intuitive of feel and effortless, in the very best sense of the word. Drink or hold. Screw cap.\"  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJames Suckling, JamesSuckling.com - 96 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eGee, it’s a powerful and dry spicy wine. Lemon peel, cinnamon and clove spice, pear, fresh pineapple, apricot, and ripe lime, roasted peanuts. It’s flinty, zesty, kind of oaky too, but the fruit swallows it up, and carries on with aniseed, dried pear, lavish spice, tight grapefruity acidity, very intense, flinty and dry, chamomile and ginger on a finish of superb length. Chalky, spicy, oaky, a whole lot of Chardonnay power here, It’s bursting with vitality and it’s pretty full on as a young wine; like staring at the sun. But give it time, and it should reward most handsomely.\u003c\/span\u003e\"  \u003cstrong\u003eGary Walsh, The Wine Front - 95+ points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic\/biodynamic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cullen Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/CullenWines_1024x1024.png?v=1676676433\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of firstly organic, and subsequently biodynamic viticulture at Cullen Wines provides the opportunity for the land to exist at its full potential, thereby nurturing vines to produce their best and most individual grapes. Vanya Cullen \u003cspan\u003ehas pushed the limits of biodynamic practices in every facet of the business and the yield of the estate vineyards has soared.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e All Cullen Wines are grown on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic Viticulture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince 1971 when the Cullen Vineyard was planted, chemical intervention was minimal and the family's concern for the environment paramount. In 1998 the change to total organic viticulture was made. Organics is about soil health and Diana and Vanya went intuitively towards healing the soil by putting back what had been taken out. Organic farming promotes biological activity, which converts plant and animal residue into stable humus. This in turn increases the soil's ability to retain moisture and provide a reserve of nutrients. The Cullen vineyards were certified A Grade Organic in 2003. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiodynamic Viticulture\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2003, whilst attending a Biodynamic Conference, Vanya Cullen decided that Biodynamics would add further to the holistic and natural approach to both vineyard and winemaking. Biodynamics builds on organic farming to make all organic processes work more efficiently and effectively. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiodynamic viticulture is a philosophy combining the maintenance of sustainable soil fertility and the recognition of the link between plant growth and the rhythms of the cosmos.  Moon rhythms strongly influence life on earth life. As tides rise and fall in a pulsing rhythm, so does the sap of plants and all other liquids including those within the earth's mantle. Viticultural practices are conducted according to these moon rhythms. The position of the moon in relation to the planets is critical in determining the optimal time to plant. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the difference between organic and biodynamic is the use of biodynamic preparations 500 and 501, with 502-508 also being used. Preparation 500 is cow horns filled with cow manure which helps the soil develop humus and attracts earthworms and micro organisms. Preparation 501 is cow horns filled with quartz crystals which aids photosynthesis and the uptake of minerals in the soil. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2004 the Cullen vineyards \u003cspan\u003ewere certified\u003c\/span\u003e A Grade Biodynamic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Vanya Cullen discusses biodynamics\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6yBrGBiGU8Y\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 34px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 34px; float: none;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/CullenVideo1_480x480_119e71c7-6a50-40b3-8cc5-70739d17404c_480x480.jpg?v=1720403408\" alt=\"Vanya Cullen discusses biodynamics\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVanya Cullen discusses biodynamics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the winery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cullen Wines\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/CullenWines2_1024x1024.png?v=1676691620\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1948, Dr Kevin John Cullen and his wife Diana Madeline Cullen purchased their property in Wilyabrup, which is in the heart of Margaret River. In early 1965 they started considering other uses for their sheep and cattle farm. They decided to plant lupins, so invited Dr John Gladstones (who had studied lupins in his post-graduate research) to visit their property. Dr Gladstones had also put considerable work and research into the suitability of growing vines in southwestern Australia and, according to Diana, upon seeing their land said \"Oh, you're mad growing cattle and sheep, why don't you grow grapes?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Gladstones described Wilyabrup as being the sweet spot of the Margaret River region, most favourable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1966 he published his now-famous report which compared the climate and soils of Margaret River to that of Bordeaux. Many regard him as the founder of the Margaret River wine region. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1971 Kevin and Diana Cullen made the decision to plant 18 acres of vines on the land, including their first Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Further plantings were made over the subsequent decades. The mature\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e28-hectare dry grown vineyard\u003c\/span\u003e still operates today and the grapes for all the Cullen wines are sourced from here and the adjacent Mangan Vineyard which was planted in 1995.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile Kevin Cullen worked as a doctor to support the business, Diana Cullen supervised and managed the winery and became Chief Winemaker in 1981. Diana made history in 1982 by being the first woman to win a trophy at the Perth Royal Show. Kevin passed away in 1994 and Diana in 2003, and the Cullen flagship wines are now named in their honour; the Kevin John Chardonnay and Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. Both Kevin and Diana have been awarded life membership with the Margaret River Wine Industry Association, and in 2003 the WA Wine Industry Association introduced the annual Diana Madeline Cullen Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the WA Wine Industry in her honour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1983 Diana was joined by daughter Vanya Cullen, who took over the reign as Chief Winemaker in 1989 and was also appointed Managing Director in 1999. With Vanya at the helm, the quality of the wine is paramount and every step taken in the vineyard and in the winemaking is geared to that aim. The quality of Cullen Wines comes in the main from the vineyard - the wines can only be as good as the grapes. To realise the full potential of the vineyard, Vanya has embraced organic and biodynamic viticultural practices and the vineyards were certified A Grade Organic in 2003 and A Grade Biodynamic in 2004. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process of making the wine involves handling the fruit as little and as gently as possible. Practices such as hand harvesting, minimal fruit transport, sorting of the fruit before crushing, minimal wine movement, minimal fining for the whites, no fining for the reds and minimal filtration are employed. The wines mostly make themselves, with little or no intervention; which means the use of indigenous yeast, no additions of any kind and minimal oak use and fining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVanya Cullen received the \"Australian Winemaker of the Year\" award from Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine in 2000 and was voted \"Woman of the Year\" by UK based wine magazine The Drinks Business in 2008, becoming the first Australian to receive the award. Vanya was also awarded Halliday Wine Companion's winemaker of the year in 2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCullen became the first vineyard and winery in Australia to be certified carbon positive, starting the process in 2006. Vanya Cullen is also on the board of the \"Days of Change\" program, which aims to help Western Australian people and businesses live and operate in a more sustainable way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emarked a half-century for the brand and with it a celebration of the Cullen Wines legacy. \"This year we celebrate 50 years of Cullen Wines – 50 years of sustainable wine growing preceded by 65,000 years of Wadandi sustainable land care,\" says Vanya. \"Over that time we've been supported by generous people with a wonderful spirit of camaraderie and warmth of spirit, and we are so grateful.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/MargaretRiverSubRegions-Cullen_1024x1024.jpg?v=1708925265\" alt=\"Cullen Winery and the Margaret River Sub Regions\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCullen Winery and the Margaret River Sub Regions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48431619244273,"sku":null,"price":199.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/cullen-kevin-john-chardonnay-2024_539cb91e-97c4-413a-9f66-a18e758817e9.jpg?v=1774926366","url":"https:\/\/canterburywines.au\/products\/cullen-kevin-john-chardonnay-2022","provider":"Canterbury Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}