A Legacy Rooted in Passion and Vision The story of Cullen Wines begins in 1923 when the Cullen family bought farmland in the pristine Margaret River area. Dr. Kevin and Diana Cullen, visionaries and pioneers, saw the region’s potential for viticulture and planted their first vines in 1966, marking the beginning of what would become one of Australia’s most renowned wineries. Cullen Wines, a winery nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s Margaret River wine region, is a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Diana Cullen was an avid cook and gardener, and Dr. Kevin Cullen was a physician with a scientific mind. They pooled their skills to produce wines that resonated with the land’s spirit. Their daughter, Vanya Cullen, joined the winery in the late 1980s and has since grown to become one of Australia’s most renowned winemakers, carrying on their dedication to sustainability and quality.
The Benefit of Margaret River
Cool ocean breezes and well-drained soils are hallmarks of the Margaret River region’s Mediterranean climate. Premium grapes thrive in these conditions, especially Cullen Wines’ signature varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Cullen’s wines are distinguished by their distinct terroir, which is a blend of soil, climate, and terrain that gives them nuance and complexity.
An Adherence to Biodynamics
Cullen Wines has adopted biodynamic principles, a comprehensive agricultural method that emphasises soil health, biodiversity, and moon cycles, under the direction of Vanya Cullen. This approach promotes a self-sustaining ecology within the vineyard, going beyond organic farming.
In 2004, Cullen Wines became one of the first wineries in Australia to obtain full biodynamic accreditation. In addition to improving grape quality, the use of cover crops, natural composts, and biodynamic preparations has reduced the environmental impact of the winery. Cullen Wines’ proud carbon-positive status today is evidence of their persistent commitment to sustainability.
A Symphony of Flavours: The Wines
The range of Cullen Wines demonstrates their commitment to “quality, integrity, and sustainability.” The winery’s flagship wines, Kevin John Chardonnay and Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, are named after its founders and are regularly praised by critics across the world.
Diana Madeline: With earthy undertones, cedar, and blackberry aromas, this Bordeaux-style blend is a masterwork of harmony and depth. The wine is a collector’s favourite because of its lingering finish and elegant tannins.
Kevin John Chardonnay: This wine, which was aged in French oak barrels, exemplifies the complexity and nuance of Margaret River Chardonnay. Its bright acidity and creamy texture match its citrus, white peach, and hazelnut flavours.
Other noteworthy products include the Amber line, which focuses on the craft of skin-contact white wines, and the Mangan Vineyard Series, which emphasizes unusual varietals like Malbec and Petit Verdot.
The Tasting notes
