2018 Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay

Certified organic and matured in French oak for 6 months of which 50% was new. Brilliant pale straw colour with a light tinge of green to the edges and a watery hue. A wonderful aromatic profile of white peach, nectarine and citrus scents meld into elements of dried honey, cashew, nougat, biscuit and spice making for a very Burgundian like sniff. Delightfully refined yet concentrated and well rounded in its feel, the palate boasts nectarine, fleshy white peach, subtle lime and grapefruit flavours which show great freshness over a back drop of citrusy dried honey characters, subtle roasted almonds and faint infusions of gun flint. Finishes dry and long with beautiful detailed fresh acidity featuring right through the aftertaste.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Quite often, when I sit down to taste and write about wine, I think to myself what an odd profession this is, that I’ve somehow got myself into. But some days are better than others, that’s for sure.
The two things here that lift this wine above the pack are texture and length, and both are unquestionably impressive. There’s zing and chalk, intensity, and a lingering aftertaste. In among all that there’s ripe lime, spicy oak, mint nougat, dried pear and cashew. Power delivered on rails of zesty acidity, a saline character, oak certainly present, but not overdone. It’s the very model of a modern Chardonnay. It’s a beauty. Drink 2020-2028.
96 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front