Vintage 2025 at Cullen began in early February after a warm, dry growing season capped off by unusually warm conditions in May 2024 that triggered a rare “double budburst” in the Chardonnay – some shoots tried to wake up before winter, then again after, naturally reducing fruitfulness and leaving us with tiny crops and beautifully concentrated fruit. The was some bird pressure early, but the blossom came through halfway, and the birds seemed to disappear overnight.
The result is a set of whites with lifted perfume, texture and depth, slightly softer natural acidity than 2024 making them delicious even in their youth, and a Kevin John Chardonnay that looks especially powerful and refined.
There was no pause before the reds rolled in, and the long, even ripening delivered another brilliant season for Cabernet: dense, savoury and classically structured. Across the board, 2025 trades the sheer heat and power of 2024 for classical perfume and balance. These wines will drink beautifully now and evolve gracefully in the cellar. For more on the 2025 vintage click HERE
This Legacy Series has produced some quite
wonderful wines, and this is yet another stunning example. In line with the
biodynamic principles of Cullen, it was picked on a flower day and new moon in
February. The bunches went into a clay amphora lined with beeswax for two days
before pressing, and then it was transferred to a biodynamic flower day
puncheon to complete the fermentation. So what does this mean? Well, it means
it's a damn fine wine. Plenty of savoury, mineral-y, slightly honeycomb, lemon
curd aromas. And then a palate that is so rich and textured, yet held with deft
control, with a fine, precise acidity. The palate extends with effortless ease
to such a sustained, long finish. Each time you dig back into it, you'll find
something different. It's such a wonderful wine.
98 points – Ray Jordan
