Cullen Wines Metricup Chardonnay 2025
G 93
The fruit for this delicious Margaret River Chardonnay comes from a vineyard planted in 1998 in the Metricup sub-region, close to the border of Wilyabrup. A portion of the wine saw maturation in French oak to enhance the texture of the wine. A shimmering pale lemon hue, this is slightly leaner than some, even though the 2025 vintage is responsible for wines of generosity and opulence. Yes, another cracking vintage in Margaret River. Shocker. The nose offers hints of citrus, spices, melons, dry herbs and a touch of nettles. Time in the glass sees some of the anticipated generosity begin to emerge. This is a wine that does have a future. There is a lovely textural aspect to it and a gentle lingering finish, while the wine maintains excellent balance throughout. Six to eight years. Drink now–2033 Domaine Naturaliste Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc 2022 G 93 Bilberries, dried lilac, and blackcurrants. Granitic soil and some firm tannins. This is marble-like in its stony silence. A wine that perhaps needs some more time to melt into itself. For now, it’s potent and a well of dark forest fruits and poppy seed spice. Drink with venison or gamey meats. Drink now–2032 Flowstone Chardonnay 2022 G 93 Green mango, sappy mandarin, grapefruit – bright-eyed and barefoot at the farmers market. Stone fruits galore. What’s better on a balmy Saturday? Nothing. Fresh, nonchalant, giving youthful enthusiasm without emotional baggage. Excitement wrapped in well-judged tension. Everything’s holding together nicely – like a group holiday no one cried on. Drink now–2033 Flowstone Touriga 2023 G 93 Red liquorice, spice, tart mulberry – inviting, like a witch with a candy cabin. Full-bodied but gives the illusion of medium weight… a little trickster. High, rugged tannins as expected from Touriga. Meaty finish dusted with turned earth and volcanic whispers. Ripe fruit floats fresh across the palate: ume plums, big muscles, could lay bricks. The weight is from fruit, no oak bloat. Would be a good, firm hugger. Drink now–2032
Margaret River 2026
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