Kevin John Chardonnay 2023

Located in Wilyabrup, in the heart of Western Australia's Margaret River region, Cullen Winery benefits from a temperate maritime climate, cooled by breezes from the nearby Indian Ocean. The Chardonnay vines, cultivated using certified biodynamic methods, are planted in gravelly and clay-sand soils resting on a granite bedrock, providing natural drainage and moderate water supply. This mosaic of terroirs, combined with limited yields and meticulous viticulture, gives rise to a wine that precisely expresses the identity of Margaret River.

Sourced from certified biodynamic vineyards, this Chardonnay is hand-harvested and then gently pressed as whole bunches before being transferred to barrels. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, where the wine also undergoes malolactic fermentation. Aging continues on fine lees in barrels, with measured stirring to preserve the balance between tension, fruit purity, and aromatic complexity, before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , white peach , and juicy pear , complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle mineral dimension. Spicy nuances and fine toasty oak add complexity and depth. On the palate, the texture is both ample and precise, driven by a lively and perfectly integrated acidity, with great length and a saline, persistent finish that underscores the elegance of this Chardonnay.

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.