2018 Mangan Vineyard Red Moon
A Red Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the light filtering through the Earth’s atmosphere dapples the moon in red light. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurred on the 11th of February 2017 during harvest. Fruit from the Mangan Vineyard was hand harvested, fermented naturally and basket pressed to French oak.
Cullen Wines have been very successful in meeting their aim of producing a wine which, while fruit driven, is of such high quality that it will develop for several years under good cellaring conditions.
This wine was made from a carefully selected blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot grown on the Mangan Vineyard, which has been shown to be ideally suited to nurturing these grape varieties.
Vintage Notes
2018 Vintage Report
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.
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.
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.
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon (exceptional), Malbec & Merlot. Excellent vintage for concentration, balance and perfume.
Winemaker Notes
Vineyard: 100% Mangan Vineyard.
Varieties: 61% Malbec, 39% Petit Verdot.
Harvest Dates: 11th of March to 25th of March.
Oak: 5 months in French oak with 57% of the barrels being new.
Alcohol: 13.0%