Cullen releases showcase the impacts of biodynamics

Vanya Cullen and her winemaking team are constantly looking to push the boundaries and explore new iterations of their star wines, using biodynamic principles in the vineyard and the winery.

Two new releases - both made in minuscule quantities - showcase the Cullen Wines commitment to wines that make a statement.

The inaugural release of the Diana Madeline Legacy Series Full Moon MOSH - from the 2023 vintage - honours Diana Madeline Cullen AM, whose passion for Bordeaux blends led her to introduce both merlot and cabernet franc to Margaret River back in 1976.

A blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% malbec showcases the first pick for both varieties from the Cullen vineyard in 2023, occurring on a full Moon and Moon opposite Saturn harvest in early March.

The fruit was hand-harvested from 52-year-old dry grown cabernet Vines, first planted in 1971. The two grape varieties were co-fermented in stainless steel vats and then matured for 14 months in 33% new barriques.

The other premium release is the 2024 Kevin John Legacy Series Flower Day.

It is a wine deeply rooted in Cullen's passion for biodynamic principles - with the aim of producing wines that embody the influence of the biodynamic calendar.

The 2024 Kevin John Legacy Series Flower Day Chardonnay comes from the earliest vintage on record at Cullen Wines.

Grapes were picked in mid-January from old, dry-grown Gin Gin clone vines. The fruit was basket pressed to a concrete egg for wild fermentation, then matured for six months in a new oak puncheon.

There were zero additions of yeast or acidity, and the wine was bottled without fining or filtration.

Two special wines priced for aficionados. Both have serious presence, intensity and depth of flavour. They retail for $350 each.

# The Margaret River Wine Association has honoured Vanya Cullen (above) with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her contribution to the Margaret River wine industry and her "leadership in sustainability, innovation, and excellence".

Cullen aims to set new international benchmarks in biodynamic viticulture, environmental responsibility, and regenerative farming.

See cullenwines.com.au/.