2007 Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay

"This is the best Australian Chardonnay I've had. Numbers nuts might like to know its vital statistics are pH 3; natural acid 10g./I; harvested on a full moon fruit day and fermented dry as the Valley of Bones at 13.5 per cent. It is unlike any chardonnay I've tasted before. Pepper, ginger, lemon and wet coffee-rock aromas sort of slice at you from the glass. It's as rapier stiff as any riesling, with an authority and weight that are a formidable, confronting delight. Grown and made biodynamically by Vanya Cullen, it manages both force and finesse in transfixing harmony. And it will live for many years."
Philip White, The Independent Weekly Wine Advocate 94 points!

"The 2007 Chardonnay Kevin John was fermented with native yeasts in 100% new French oak. It then spent an additional 10 months in new oak. Medium straw-colored, it displays an enthralling bouquet of apple blossoms, mineral, pain grille, lemon meringue, and tropical notes. Medium-bodied, creamy, and complex on the palate with the oak totally integrated, this savory, rich, vibrant Chardonnay will evolve for several years and drink well for a decade. Cullen Wines is certified biodynamic both in its vineyards and winery. The attention to detail required to achieve certification shows in the wines."
Jay Miller, Wine Advocate #186 Dec 2009

The Kevin John Chardonnay is Cullen’s flagship white from their biodynamic vineyards. A refined and elegant style brimming with white peach and citrus, showing bakery nutty complexity and deft oak integration. The wine is named in honour of Vanya Cullen’s father, the late Kevin John Cullen. Grapes are harvested on a flower or fruit day and whole-bunch pressed to obtain the highest quality juice. It is then barrel fermented with native yeasts in French oak barriques and matured for approximately 7 months in one- third new and two-thirds seasoned oak barrels.