Review: Cullen 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
- vinterest
- May 10, 2015
- 1 min read
The low-down: It’s been two and a half years since we picked this up in Australia, and apparently we can lay this down for another five years … but we couldn’t keep our hands of this little beauty cultivated by an exceptional Margaret River wine-maker, Vanya Cullen.
Cullen traces their history back to 1948 when Vanya's parents, Diana and Dr Kevin John, started buying land in the Margaret River for farming. By 1966 they began trial vine plantings and in 1971 planted 7 ha commercially - today that has grown to 45 ha under vine. The grapes for this blend are sourced from both the Cullen and Mangan vineyards.
We picked this up in Sydney International Airport Duty Free for A$40.
The take: A very dark red appearance, with a purple tint. Sediment on the glass. Slow, thick legs - which is surprising as it's only 12.5% ABV. The nose is herbaceous, chalky, spicy. Quite a full-on, savoury, meal-like nose. Over time, it softens to candied fruit. The attack has good acidity, not sweet but with grape hints, light, savoury. Hints of tannins, very well balanced. Notes of coffee, grape, blackcurrant and earth on the palate. Good, juicy texture. The peppery/oaky bite is there. Solid and yet very smooth.
In closing: Well balanced ... in the groove!
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: Australia
Region: Margaret River
Producer: Cullen
Vintage: 2010
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Mid-range
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