Cullen Cabernet Merlot 2018
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Blend: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This Cab-dominant blend, from one of Margaret River's founding wineries, encompasses the essence of the region. Brambly fruit mingles with notes of tomato stem, tobacco leaf, black olive and menthol, supported by polished, cherry cola-like oak. The palate is medium bodied, while the crunchy, vibrant fruit is tempered by taut, sappy, textural tannins. Drink now–2040.
-
James Suckling
A convincing rendering of this very drinkable, concentrated and vibrant red blend. Aromas of dark cherries, blueberries and plums, as well as licorice, leaves, roasting herbs, cedar and subtle spices. The palate is fresh with red-berry, cherry and blue-fruit flavors and is crisply defined by long, vibrant tannins. Drink or hold.
-
Wine Spectator
The earthy, herbal notes of this red are intense, creating a dark bass note to complement the concentrated currant, spiced plum and blackberry flavors. Black tea, eucalyptus and clary sage notes linger. The focus, tightness and complexity suggest a good candidate for cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2040.
Other Vintages
2019-
Wine
Spectator
A founding winery of Margaret River, Cullen was established in 1971 by pioneering winemakers Kevin and Diana Cullen. In redefining the style of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the 1970s, the fledgling estate caught the attention of the nation. Since then, an unrelenting commitment to quality, integrity and sustainability has positioned Cullen as one of Australia's greatest estates - and Margaret River as one of the nation's premier wine-producing regions. The mature, biodynamically farmed vineyard produces elegant, age-worthy wines that draw world-wide critical acclaim, including what is regarded by many as the country's definitive Bordeaux blend.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.