2023 Cullen Mangan Vineyard Ephraim

Hand harvested grapes of the best blocks of biodynamically certified Mangan Vineyard Malbec and Petit Verdot were naturally fermented and basket pressed and then matured in 35% new oak for 8 months.

Ephraim Mayo Clarke was Kevin John Cullen’s grandfather, Vanya’s great-grandfather, a Member of Parliament who preceded the efforts of his descendants by establishing the first winery in the southwest, in Bunbury, way back in 1896. From the Mangan vineyard, this is a blend of 76% Malbec and 24% Petit Verdot, which saw eight months in oak, 30% new. Opaque maroon, the nose reveals aromas of plums, spices, black cherries, red apples and raspberries, with hints of woodsmoke. - 92 points, Ken Gargett