2023 Cullen Ephraim, Margaret River

The deepest, darkest colour you could ever imagine sits in the glass of this 70/30 blend of malbec and petit verdot from Cullen’s Mangan vineyard. It’s named after Kevin Cullen’s grandfather Ephraim, who like Cullen was a wine pioneer, albeit in the previous century. All naturally fermented and basket pressed before maturation in oak of which 35% was new for 8 months. It’s a powerful statement with rich dark chocolate and black fruit flavours supported by firm chalky tannins and a liberal hit of oak. It's a sort of big easy wine. Drink to 2038.

94 points Ray Jordan Wine Review 2027

The 2023 Ephraim intrigues with vibrant and focused aromas of licorice, musky plums and spice, well integrated with firm oak. It is forceful, with punchy flavors and zippy acidity elevated by mouth-coating tannins that drive an extended finish. Brilliant. Drink to 2045.

94 points Angus Hughson for Vinous, January 2026

A densely coloured red greeting with red and black fruit aromas, the 2023 Ephraim is a vibrant and richly fruited wine named after winemaker Vanya Cullen’s great-grandfather Ephraim Mayo Clarke. The 2023 is a 70/30 blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot from Cullen’s biodynamically farmed Mangan Vineyard, with fruit harvested on two separate days in late March.

The fruit was fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured for eight months in oak barrels of which 35% were new. Low intervention throughout the winery, with just minimal sulphur dioxide added at bottling.

From the excellent 2023 vintage, this is delicious on release, yet past vintages have shown that this holds excellent cellaring potential over a decade or more.

About this producer

With admirers around the world, Cullen has been a leading name in Margaret River wine since the early 1970s. The estate is today guided by Vanya Cullen, for whom quality is made in the vineyards, and founded in integrity and biodynamic viticulture.