Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018

Located in the Margaret River region of southwest Western Australia, the Cullen estate benefits from a cool maritime climate tempered by the nearby Indian Ocean. The vines are planted in gravelly and sandy soils resting on a granite bedrock, providing natural drainage and excellent water regulation. The vineyard is managed using certified biodynamic farming practices, with meticulous attention to the soil and surrounding biodiversity. This approach aims to accurately express the character of the coastal terroir, marked by regular ocean breezes and a strong maritime influence.

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes come from certified biodynamic vineyards, are hand-harvested, and then carefully sorted before fermentation in open vats, using indigenous yeasts. Maceration is gentle, with manual pump-overs to extract color and fine tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, some of which are new, to refine the structure and add aromatic complexity, before being bottled at the estate without excessive filtration.

This wine reveals notes of blackcurrant , blackberry , and black plum , complemented by floral touches of violet and peony , as well as spicy nuances of black pepper and clove. Subtle oak accents of cedar and vanilla mingle with a slightly graphite-like structure. The palate is full-bodied, with fine yet structured tannins, supported by fresh acidity, a silky texture, and a long, harmonious finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.