Margaret River Syrah is noteworthy because of its fragrance and attractiveness in its youth. Aromas of juicy black cherries and boysenberries with a grind of black pepper. The palate possesses a fine grained texture comprising of ripe tannin which adds to the structure and depth of the wine.White pepper, black cherries and an eastern mosaic of spices greet on the nose, brought to yield by a soft palate of fleshy tannin and coating red and black fruits.

The wine is immediately appealing on the nose showing brightly fruited notes of lemon peel, white fleshy nectarine and grapefruit with a subtle touch of sweet basil leaves. It is juicy and vibrant on the palate with youthful fruit intensity together with crisp acidity, finishing long and mouth-watering.

Pale yellow youthful green tinges, which I equate with quality young chardonnay. Aromatics are instantly very serious. Intense fruit nectarines and white peaches melding with lemon citrus beautiful French oak hovering just above the wine at the moment intense more than a cursory nod to Burgundy. The tiniest whiff of sulphides perfect for a wine of this age. When sipped, the wine shows its incredible intensity, no doubt derived from the very low yield.

DEEP WOODS ESTATE Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Margaret River

Grape variety - 100% Semillon. Oak maturation - 11 months, 11% new and 89% 2-year-old French oak barriques. Aroma - Intense and complex with herbaceous notes of nettle, snowpea, lemongrass, thyme and lantana. Subtle and well balanced cedar oak intertwines with complex characters of lanolin, wax, citrus and dusty earth. Palate - Rich, full and textured, the palate shows a fine structure from use of skin contact. Intense flavours of dusty snowpea, nettle, thyme and fennel are beautifully layered with fresh lime and subtle hints of smoky lanolin that go on forever. A wine with great depth and potential that will gain even more complexity with time. Food matches - Fresh seafood, French Camembert, Stiffed figs with goats cheese and prosciutto. Peak drinking - Drinking well upon release but has the potential to evolve and impress towards 2030. Viticulture - Fruit sourced to make this Semillon was grown with absolute attention to detail. Identification of soil boundaries within blocks is the first step in selecting potentially superior fruit. Close monitoring and analysis of these vines leads to shoot or bunch thinning by hand if required to obtain the perfect balance for good exposure and healthy ripening. A philosophy of minimal inputs in this premium block allows the unique combination of variety, soil type and microclimate to shine through and produce a parcel of fruit with true character. The 2020 vintage was a warm year in Margaret River allowing plenty of time during January and February to ripen the fruit to our specification. Winemaking - The fruit was harvested early in the morning with 25% being crushed into 1 tonne fermenters for natural fermentation on skins for two weeks. The remainder was drained and pressed with the cloudy juice being sent to new and old barrels for natural fermentation. All barrels were lees stirred over 11 months before clarifying and blending of the best barrels. Storage and Bottling - The 2020 Jack out the Box Semillon was bottled in February 2021 to super premium reverse claret glass with a screwcap closure. This wine is drinking exceptionally well now and with prudent storage should continue to show well towards 2030.

All Cullen Wines are grown on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate. Grapes are harvested by hand on fruit and flower days according to the astrological calendar. The wines have no additions of yeast, acid or malolactic culture, and are in this sense natural wines which express the place and land on which they are grown, the vintage and the people.

Pale straw green in colour showing complex bouquet of intense citrus, roasted cashew and flinty notes. The palate is fine and creamy with a long crisp finish.