2004 CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT

 
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    Perhaps Cullen's best-known wine, this blend was recently included in the prestigious Langton Classification of Australian Wines. The vines planted in 1971 are 30 years old. On average the yields are around two tons per acre, or 26 hectolitres per hectare, giving great concentration to the wine. They are grown on the Scott Henry trellising system, which yields grapes with ripe tannins and flavours. This wine is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The varieties are vinified separately and matured in French oak for 18 months. The result is a deeply coloured wine with great depth of flavour, fine grain tannins and outstanding cellaring potential.  
 
     
Tasting notes   Reviews
     

2004 was one of the great vintages for red wines at Cullen Wines, with the grapes being blessed by ideal conditions for ripening. Thus, during that period, the temperatures on most afternoons were between 25 and 30?C and there were no really hot days. There were also no strong winds to cause the stomata on the vines to close and thus inhibit photosynthesis. As a consequence, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 2004 were characterised by a combination of fleshy, mouth-filling fruits and soft tannins.

This Bordeaux blend was made from 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot and was matured for 26 months in French oak.

Colour: Deep rich red with purple tinges
Bouquet: Complex cigar box, plum, mulberry and chocolate mint aromas
Palate: Rich fresh cherry and plum fruit flavours backed by subtle oak. Good texture, long and lingering
Cellaring: 4 – 6 years
Food: Lamb, beef and cheeses