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2020 Kevin John

The 2020 Kevin John is made from the Wente Clone planted in 1976 on Cullen Vineyard. The soil is forest grove and mostly southerly slope or level. The vines are certified biodynamic, and in 2020 produced a yield of 1.3 tonnes per hectare.

The harvest took place by hand on fruit and flower days of the biodynamic calendar. The grapes were whole bunch basket pressed to puncheons of which 50% were new. The natural fermentation, both primary and malolactic, took place with indigenous microflora. This wine spent 6 months in barrel and has had no fining, filtration or cold stabilisation.

 

Vintage Notes

2020 Vintage Report

2020 vintage was defined by dry conditions from the onset of budburst through to harvest in 2020.
A lower than average rainfall in 2019, and hot dry weather conditions in January, February and March made for almost drought conditions for harvest 2020.

Bunch numbers were about average, but low berry weights due to the dry conditions produced very low yields and wines which were balanced and pretty in nature. The harvest was unaffected by Covid 19 lockdowns as we had finished harvest and most of the fermentations had also finished, we just had the pressing of the red wines. Chardonnay yields were still affected by the previous year’s frost.

Wines of excellent balance and fruit purity, a vintage similar to 2003 in style.
Best varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard: 100% Cullen Vineyard

Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Harvest: 3rd February – Fruit Day, and 5th and 6th February – Flower days 2021

Oak: 50% New oak puncheons for 6 months

Alcohol: 13.9%

Tasting Notes

Colour: Straw, with green tinges Cellar: Drink now or cellar with confidence for at least 20 years. Bouquet: Lime citrus, vanillin, orange blossom, tropical fruits and mango Food: Charlie Chen’s fish of the day with Akoya oyster, confit fennel and tomato salsa on the Cullen Dining menu Palate: Concentrated fruit - lemon, lime, orange and mango. The length and minerality of the wine is carried through with a surge of fruit density and cleansing acidity. Persistent flavours linger, showing the concentration of the 2020 harvest being hot and dry.
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Previous Releases

  • 2017 Kevin John

    This is a wine defined by great purity, elegance and a fantastic acid backbone: a vintage destined for great ageing potential.

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  • 2011 Kevin John Magnum

    When this wine was first tasted after it had been in bottle for a while, it was immediately evident that this Chardonnay is destined for a future that will place it in the upper echelon of the Kevin John Chardonnays produced thus far.

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  • 2016 Kevin John Magnum

    Another great season for our vineyards and our 1976 Chardonnay vines produced some incredible fruit.

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