One of the most inspiring women I have met in the wine business has to be Vanya Cullen from the Cullen Estate in Margaret River, Western Australia. We in Jus De Vine had the pleasure of her company a few weeks ago when she popped into the shop en route to a trade tasting in Dublin. Needless to say Tommy Cullen and Vanya really hit it off! , He had to remind her she had an appointment and tasting in town, but we could have listened to her all day.
Vanya is the wine maker for her family estate which was est. in 1966 by her parents Di and Kevin Cullen. They farm Organic and Biodynamic, while pioneering environmental initiatives which has led Cullen to becoming Australia's first carbon neutral winery in 2007.
Vanya has such a strong sense of responsibility to the land and talks about always giving back to the vineyards what they take from it. One of my all time favourites is the Kevin John Chardonnay which is named after her Dad, Vanya spoke about the Kevin John vineyard being a place to go to revive and refresh as it is so alive with healthy vines. Her philosophy is to make wines that express the vineyard and believe me it doesn't get much better then this Wonderful Chardonnay. It is elegant with tropical notes as well as lemon and citrus, well refined oak beautifully integrated into the wine and a lingering finish.
We are currently waiting on the new vintage to arrive, hoping to have it in time for Christmas!
Seek it out!
Julie
Jus De Vine
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