Cullen Wines Mangan East Block 2019
- 94
- $45
- Drink by: 2021 - 2029
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This wine, produced as ever in accordance with the Cullen philosophy of biodynamics, carbon neutral output and a naturally powered estate, is a blend of 81% Malbec and 19% Petit Verdot. Naturally fermented, basket pressed and then it spent five months in French oak, 55% new. The Malbec was harvested on a Fruit Day; the Petit Verdot on a Flower Day.
A fierce purple colour. The aroma is lifted, ripe and really appeals with dark berry notes, chocolate, blackcurrants and spices. There is also a nice flick of acidity and an early hint of oak, very well integrated. Impressive length and soft tannins suggest it should have a good ten years ahead of it, but it is so lovely now and hard to resist. This is the best Mangan I have seen.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
