Tasting Notes for Cullen Mangan East Block Red 2021 from the Winery 

In 2021 the Mangan Vineyard’s east block yielded small quantities of great quality petit verdot and malbec fruit.  A slight departure in style as the petit verdot was very ripe, giving the wine an unprecedented opulence. The growing season experienced good rains and the small yields made it manageable to handpick the fruit with the limited number of pickers we had due to covid-19 border restrictions.

The malbec was harvested on a fruit day, and the petit verdot on a full Moon flower day. It has 59% malbec and 41% petit verdot. Skin contact time varied from 6 to 28 days and the wine had 40% new oak for 7 months. No additions of yeast, malolactic bacteria or acid were made making this wine a pure expression of Mangan Vineyard.

Mangan Vineyard was planted in 1995 – 97 and is certified Biodynamic and carbon positive. It is located adjacent to the Cullen estate vineyard in the Wilyabrup area.

Colour: Deep purple - thick and dense

Cellar: Enjoy now or for up to 20 years

Bouquet: Cherry, rose, dusted chocolate and mulberry

Food: Lamb, beef or beetroot

Palate: Intense, lively fruit with unctuous texture and mouthfeel. The chocolate trumbles through the palate leaving a trail of mulberry juice in its wake. This is a one-off wine with the fruit concentration being outstanding in every way

Vintage Notes

The 2021 harvest was defined by Covid and staff restrictions for hand harvesting. The low yields ensured that the crop was harvested at optimal condition and ripeness. Bird pressure was high and rain events during the growing seasons and also throughout harvest provided challenges.

In spite of these adverse conditions, in Wilyabrup, we finished harvest in good time and are very happy with the wines. Standout varieties: chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard:  100% Mangan vineyard

Varieties:  59% Malbec,  41% Petit Verdot

Harvest Dates:  18th March – fruit day, and 27th March – full Moon flower day

Alcohol:  13.5%

Oak:  40% New oak for 7 months

Cullen Wines

Grown in the ancient soils of Wilyabrup, Cullen wine comes from the heart of the land rather than the mind of the winemaker. They are the only biodynamic and carbon positive winery in the region. 

(SKU: CW_EBR_CV)