Tasting Notes for Cullen Sauvignon Blanc Amber 2020 from the Winery 

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.

The grapes for this wine were harvested on a full Moon opposite Saturn flower day, new Moon flower day, and flower and fruit days according to the biodynamic calendar. It was then fermented in both open and closed fermenters, as well as amphorae for an average of 10 days on skins, before being pressed and aged in older French oak puncheons and biodynamic barriques for 3 months.

This style of the skin fermented “orange wine” displays beautiful characters which reflect a cross between red and white styles with “Negroni” orange blossom.

Colour: Golden

Cellar: Drink now or age 15-20 years.

Bouquet: Negroni, orange blossom, green tea, jasmine, peaches, pepper, curry leaf.

Food: Twice cooked goats cheese soufflé, nasi goring.

Palate: Negroni, peaches and cream, oregano, wild thyme. Incredible depth of palate and youthful exuberance. Silky, long finish with flavours and fruit density filling the mouth. The grainy, soft tannins, which dance around the front palate hold the wine and all its characters in perfect tension to then take the silky flavours on the back palate, where they linger in dense, perfect proportions leaving you wondering what just happened!

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard: 100% Cullen Vineyard

Varieties: 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 48% Semillon.

Harvest: 7th, 8th, 14th and 24th of Februry

Oak: 100% for 3 months in older French oak puncheons and barriques.

Alcohol: 12.8%

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_SBA_CV)