Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2023

A$185.00

Availability
In stock
Volume
750ml
Varieties
Region/Country
Margaret River, Australia
Rating
96 points

Vintages

2023

Description

The 2023 Kevin John stands as a remarkable testament to the ongoing exploration of terroir through biodynamics—a journey without bounds. Bold, powerful, and rich in texture, it embodies the essence of this quest. Harvested meticulously over three weeks in alignment with the biodynamic calendar, it embraces the nuances of fruit and flower days, from the celestial dance of a full Moon to the subtle whispers of a new moon flower day in late February.

Every step of its creation is a testament to craftsmanship and dedication. Hand-harvested and gently pressed in whole bunches, the grapes find their home in a variety of vessels—concrete eggs, amphorae, and biodynamic puncheons. Eight months of patient maturation follow in these puncheons, predominantly new oak, untouched by fining or filtration.

Crafted solely from the dry-farmed, biodynamically certified Wente/Gin Gin clone, planted between 1976 and 1988, each vine yields a mere 1.7 tons per hectare, ensuring concentration and depth of flavor. Promising longevity, it will gracefully evolve over the next two decades under screwcap, housed in a new lightweight bottle designed for the journey ahead.

Vintage 2023 was a low yielding vintage which resulted in some stunning grapes and hence quality wine. In particular Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited the best typicity of varietal manifestation. The 52 year old vines consistently yield well year on year out.

The growing conditions until December were cold and wet and due to the negative Indian dipole and La Niña effects finishing in December 2022 we had an unprecedented dry spell from December until the end of harvest.

Small berry size particularly in white grape varieties produced beautifully balanced wines; Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Malbec all outstanding.

Rating

Score
96 points
Reviewer
Wine Front
View Reviewer
Review

Peach and dried pear, plenty of spice, cedar, brittle toffee and vanilla, cumquat, lime and white flower. It’s a powerful expression of Wilyabrup Chardonnay, intense in acidity and flavour, it has spice and plenty of grip, lime nougat, a milk powder richness, and a bold finish of excellent length. Positively dripping with golden flavour and energy, but so very good.

Australian Chardonnay is so good. Now packaged in a lighter bottle weighing 360 grams, as opposed to the old one which was 560 grams. Very good. Well done.

Specifications

Closure
Screw cap
Serving Temp.
10-12 °C
Alcohol
13.5%
Cellar until
Now - 2044
Food pairing
White fish, crayfish, prawns, herring

Tasting Profile

Nose
White flower, orange blossom, peach, nectarine vanilla, curry leaf, dried pear, grapefruit.
Palate
Tightly bound fruit with phenolic tension at front sliding through to peach, nectarine, grapefruit flavours. Fantastic fruit power and length and firm clean finish.

Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2023

Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2023
Bottle
QTY

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The Reserve Cellars. ABN 89621364994 Liquor License 196883. The Reserve Cellar supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. WARNING: Under the Liquor Act 1992, it is an offence to supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $6,000). for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $500).

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