2018 Grace Madeline Magnum
The Cullen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon vines are on their own rootstock, and are now old vines, planted 1976-1988. They are all certified biodynamic and carbon neutral with harvesting on fruit and flower days around the biodynamic calendar to give vitality and uniqueness. The vines are supported by Lyre trellising and Scott Henry for open canopies.
This year in the great vintage of 2018, we are renaming the Cullen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Semillon in honour of our maternal grandmother Grace Madeline. Grace Madeline was Diana Madeline’s mother. She was born in 1895 in London and died in 1963 in Hobart, Tasmania. Grace in many ways was ahead of her time. She was a suffragette who believed in the views of Emily Pankhurst and in women’s rights, e.g. women’s right to vote, childbirth control and equality in public life. She was involved in many charities such as “Land Army Comfort Fund” and for many years she worked for the “Sunshine Association” which organized holidays for underprivileged children, and Grace was awarded an MBE for her charity work.
The new label design is taken from an etching called “Silver Eye’s Nest” by Gunyulgup artist Ashley Jones of a birds nest, found by Vanya in the block 5 sauvignon blanc in 1985.
This wine consists of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon made from biodynamic vines planted 1976-1988. The Sauvignon Blanc has been matured in 75% new oak for three months. Harvested on fruit and flower days and pressed to tank and barrel. With no additions of yeast or acid, it is a wine of great minerality and a strong with sense of place, singing from the glass.
Vintage Notes
2018 Vintage report
Growing season conditions:
During the growing season, traditional wet weather conditions prevailed through the winter months. Rainfall was close to 20% above 15 year average. 565mm, average 474mm.
Spring/Summer conditions:
Great spring conditions for the dry grown estate, good soil moisture reserves, followed by warm and dry conditions in November contributed to excellent conditions for flowering and fruit-set. This also contributed to healthy canopy growth and good shoot extension, leading into the summer months. 20% below average rainfall. 148mm, average 187mm.
Summer/Harvest conditions:
The beginning of summer set the vines up well for the remainder of the season. Average temperatures through December and above average rainfall allowed for canopies to continue to function well, soil moisture reserves to be kept up and berry development to remain on track.
The remaining months of summer, January and February, leading into the 2018 vintage had temperatures which were below average, however this allowed for very effective photosynthesis within the canopies and consistent even ripening of the fruit. The vines were not impacted by any severe heat or moisture stress. Average daily maximums through January and February were 25 degrees, 1 to 2 degrees below average, and only 5 days above 30 degrees.
Yields:
Healthy, balanced yields (average to above average) were experienced across all varieties which was helped by the late spring conditions. The moderate temperatures through the summer provided for excellent fruit composure, with great intensity of flavor.
Stand out varieties:
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon (exceptional), Malbec & Merlot. Excellent vintage for concentration, balance and perfume.
Winemaker Notes
V I N E Y A R D
100% Cullen Vineyard
V A R I E T I E S
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon
H A R V E S T
17th February to 11th March, fruit and flower days
O A K
75% of the Sauvignon for 3 months in new oak
A L C O H O L
13%