Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2022

$171.99

| /

Region: Margaret River
Grapes: Chardonnay
First Glance: Powerful, Lengthy, Iconic Aussie Chardonnay
Acclaim: 97pts

The Wine:

This wine is harvested in Kevin John’s 100th birth year. Harvested from 3 separate Wente clone chardonnay blocks, planted in 1976 and 1988, on their own roots, yielding 1.8 tonnes per hectare.

Hand Harvested around the biodynamic calendar over 8 different harvest times from the 3rd to the 21st February. The fermentation took place in 50%  new biodynamic puncheons, where it was left to mature for a further 6 months. Battonage during fermentation and no fining filtration or cold stabilisation to bottle.

Aromas of lemon and sea spray mist, lime flowers and kaffir lime, dried pear and fig. On the palate there is  crunchy vibrant mineral acidity which keeps the flavours lingering on and on with a back palate of lemon sherbet kicking in to enliven the experience. Dried pear, orange blossom, balance and poise, what a great symphony of flavours coming together all at once on the taste buds.

The Review:
Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate - 97pts
"The Chardonnays I have tasted so far from the 2022 vintage in Margaret River remind me of the 2014s, in their soft acidity and primal, almost unbound fruit power. Here, the 2022 Kevin John Chardonnay leads with crushed nuts, salted yellow peach, red apple skins, preserved citrus rind, yuzu, green tea and saltbush, before tumbling into the flavours in the mouth. Toffee apple, nuts, curry leaf and saffron. Concentrated, piercing and intense. The acid envelops the tongue and holds it hostage, while the fruit explodes with power. The Gingin clone is on show here. The wine trails to a soft, juicy finish. It is lingering, very good, excellent, even better after a gentle decant and served in a big Burgundy glass. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."