Cullen Mangan East Block 2021

Region and Vineyards

Cullen Wines is located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, an area known for its maritime climate influenced by proximity to the Indian Ocean, with warm days and cool nights. These climatic conditions provide ideal ripening for red varietals like Malbec and Petit Verdot, helping grapes retain their acidity while developing rich flavors. The Wilyabrup subregion is particularly valued for its gravelly, well-drained soils, which provide the vines with an excellent foundation, adding a mineral quality to the wines produced here.

The Mangan vineyard, where the East Block is located, is cultivated according to biodynamic principles. The vines are deep-rooted, with Scott Henry trellising used to maximize sun exposure and airflow. This technique allows the Malbec and Petit Verdot vines to achieve optimal ripeness, producing smaller, concentrated berries with intense flavors. These vines have become well adapted to the specific terroir, delivering fruit that reflects the character of Wilyabrup with balance and complexity.

Winemaking

The Mangan East Block blend is crafted from handpicked Malbec and Petit Verdot. After harvesting, the grapes were gently destemmed and underwent an 18-day maceration on skins, a process that enhances color and flavor intensity. This careful extraction ensures that the wine develops both depth and a polished texture. Following pressing, the wine was transferred into 50% new French oak barrels, where it aged for eight months, allowing the varietal characteristics to integrate harmoniously with oak-derived notes, adding subtle hints of spice and complexity.

Minimal intervention was used during vinification, allowing the biodynamic character of the vineyard to shine. The wine was produced with 13.5% alcohol, maintaining freshness and vibrancy, while the oak aging imparted gentle structure and rounded tannins, creating a wine with both immediate appeal and aging potential. The final blend was refined to accentuate the natural fruit profile and herbal layers characteristic of the Mangan vineyard’s terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep mulberry, reflecting intensity.
• Aroma: Blackberry, plum, rose, and tar, with notes of chocolate, dried herbs, and saffron.
• Palate: Layered berry flavors, fresh tannins, and a long, luxurious finish.

Did You Know?

Cullen Wines, one of the pioneers of biodynamic winemaking in Australia, was founded in 1971. Vanya Cullen, daughter of the founders, continues to lead the estate, prioritizing sustainability and quality. In 2023, she received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her contributions to the wine industry and environmental stewardship.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised Lamb with Rosemary and Thyme: Complements the wine’s herbal notes and plush texture, with tannins balancing the lamb’s richness.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan: The earthy mushrooms align with the wine’s depth, while Parmesan enhances its savory layers.
• Venison with Blackberry Sauce: The dark fruit profile harmonizes with the gamey notes, creating a balanced, complex pairing.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: Complements the wine’s structure and fruit intensity, highlighting its nutty, slightly tangy notes.

History of Cullen

Founded by Kevin and Diana Cullen in 1971, Cullen Wines is among the oldest estates in Margaret River, a region they helped put on the world wine map. Initially focused on creating quality wines reflective of their terroir, the Cullens were early advocates of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, setting a benchmark for the style within the region. Kevin, a medical doctor, and Diana, a passionate wine advocate, envisioned their winery as a family venture that prioritized quality, environmental stewardship, and regional expression.

In 1989, Vanya Cullen, their daughter, took the helm as head winemaker. Under her leadership, the estate saw a transformative shift towards biodynamic farming and, eventually, carbon-neutral certification—a first in Australia. Vanya’s dedication to minimal intervention winemaking has been pivotal to Cullen Wines’ success and evolution, emphasizing natural vine health and soil vitality. Her influence has garnered international acclaim, including multiple Winemaker of the Year awards, and she continues to lead Cullen Wines as an exemplar of biodynamic and organic viticulture in Australia.

Region and Vineyards

Cullen Wines is situated in Wilyabrup, a premier subregion within Margaret River, just two miles from the Indian Ocean. This proximity provides a Mediterranean climate that balances warm, sunny days with cool, ocean-breezed nights. Such conditions support a long growing season, ideal for Bordeaux varietals and Chardonnay. These factors allow the vines to ripen slowly, enhancing natural acidity and aromatic complexity in the fruit, which is essential for the elegant, age-worthy wines Cullen is known for.

The 69-acre estate is entirely biodynamically farmed and dry-grown, which strengthens vine resilience and promotes intense, site-expressive flavors in the grapes. The soils are composed of granite and gravelly sandy loam over lateritic subsoils, providing excellent drainage that encourages deep rooting and concentrated flavors. Vanya Cullen’s implementation of the Lyre trellis system optimizes sunlight exposure and air circulation, enhancing the ripeness and quality of varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon. These vineyards, established in the 1970s, continue to produce wines with a true sense of place, showcasing Margaret River’s unique terroir and Cullen Wines' dedication to sustainable viticulture.

Wine Range of Cullen

Cullen Wines offers a selection of highly esteemed wines that emphasize the estate’s dedication to terroir expression and quality. The flagship Diana Madeline, a Bordeaux-style blend named in honor of founder Diana Cullen, is crafted from old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon and is revered for its balance, depth, and aging potential. This iconic wine is a testament to Cullen’s commitment to quality and minimal intervention.

The Kevin John Chardonnay, produced from old vines planted between 1976 and 1988, is another standout in the portfolio. Known for its elegance, texture, and complexity, this wine showcases the unique qualities of Margaret River Chardonnay and Cullen’s attention to biodynamic detail, including aging in biodynamic oak barrels.

Another notable wine is Vanya, a rare Cabernet Sauvignon produced only in exceptional vintages. It embodies Cullen’s minimalist approach to winemaking, with layers of primary fruit, savory undertones, and a structure that allows for extensive aging.

The Red Moon, a vibrant blend from the Mangan Vineyard, includes Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot and highlights Cullen’s passion for biodynamic practices with alternative varieties.

The Grace Madeline and Dancing in the Sun white blends capture the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Verdelho, celebrating the brightness and vibrancy of Margaret River’s maritime influence.

Did You Know?

Cullen Wines was the first winery in Australia to achieve carbon-neutral certification, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Each wine reflects a family legacy, with biodynamic practices that ensure both quality and sustainability for future generations.