2024 Cullen Mangan Elvie Clarke Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Margaret River

Another new wine, or perhaps a new name for an old wine, as fruit comes off the Mangan vineyard. Formerly this SBS was named after that property, now it’s Elvie Clarke, Kevin John Cullen’s mother. It’s still a three-way split between 58/35/7% sauvignon blanc/semillon/verdelho. It’s a delightful drink. Nothing overt or harsh; there’s texture, talc-like acidity, refreshment aplenty and a lovely energy within. On a warm day, as warm as the ’24 vintage, this turns out super refreshing and delicious.

95 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Cullen Mangan Elvie Clarke Sauvignon Blanc Semillon from Margaret River is a refined, biodynamically farmed white blend that pays tribute to both family heritage and one of Australia’s most iconic regional styles. Named after Elvie Clarke, maternal grandmother to winemaker Vanya Cullen, this cuvée is more than just a nod to tradition — it’s a thoughtful, terroir-driven expression of the Cullen family’s long-standing philosophy of purity, sustainability and elegance.

Sourced exclusively from the Cullen-owned Mangan Vineyard, located just west of the main Cullen estate in Wilyabrup, this blend typically comprises around 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon. The vines are dry-grown and certified biodynamic, flourishing in the region’s warm days and cool ocean-moderated nights. The gravelly, well-drained soils of the vineyard encourage deep root systems and lend a subtle mineral character to the wine.

In the winery, Vanya Cullen applies a light but intentional touch. The fruit is hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and pressed gently. Fermentation is spontaneous, using wild yeasts, and a portion of the blend is fermented and aged in French oak barriques — none of which are overtly dominant. This gives the wine a textured, savoury complexity while retaining bright freshness and varietal purity.

The nose is aromatic and inviting, with layers of lemongrass, lime blossom, elderflower, and guava, supported by hints of fresh herbs and wet slate. On the palate, it is poised and elegant, with crisp acidity driving flavours of citrus zest, green melon, white peach and subtle cashew. The Semillon rounds out the mid-palate, contributing a touch of lanolin, while the Sauvignon brings brightness and aromatic lift. There’s a fine phenolic line that adds grip and length, with a saline edge on the finish that speaks of its coastal origins.

Food pairings are versatile, it sings with shellfish, particularly grilled prawns or scallops with herb butter, and complements lightly spiced Thai or Vietnamese dishes. It also matches well with goats' cheese, green vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, or pan-seared ocean trout.

Cellar potential is excellent for the style. While it is drinking beautifully now, with clarity and energy, the wine will develop added texture, savoury detail and complexity over the next 7 to 10 years, rewarding patient cellaring.