Winegrowing began on the Cullen property in Margaret River over 40 years ago. Studies in the early 1960’s showed that Margaret River had some very special qualities. The climate was particularly suited to growing Bordelais varieties and in particular Cabernet Sauvignon. On the advice of eminent agronomist Dr John Gladstones, Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen planted a trial acre of vines at Wilyabrup in 1966. The encouraging results of this led to the planting of 18 acres of vines on their sheep and cattle farm in 1971, including their first Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
One of the pioneers of Margaret River, and has always produced long-lived wines of highly individual style from the mature estate vineyards. All Cullen Wines are grown on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate. Grapes are harvested by hand on fruit and flower days according to the astrological calendar. The wines have no additions of yeast, acidity or malolactic culture, and are in this sense natural wines which express the place and land on which they are grown.
97 Points James Halliday
For some years has been my pick as the best Australian cabernet merlot blend, and this vintage does nothing to change my mind. Densely coloured, the bouquet is crammed with rich cassis fruit and oak, as is the imperious palate, with layer upon layer of fruit woven through with powerful but ripe tannins.