2024 Cullen Mangan Red Moon Biodynamic, Margaret River

Very deep and youthful purple-red colour; intense and fresh blackberry, cassis, cranberry aromas, tinged with crushed leaf and star anise. Likewise intense and bold, fresh and fruit-driven flavours of many berry fruits, sweetly ripe and charming, with silky-smooth tannins gently coating the tongue. It's malbec-driven but has none of the tomato stalk character of lesser malbecs. A brilliant, fruit-driven young red wine. (Malbec, grenache, mourvèdre, petit verdot, merlot) 21 Mar 2025 Drink 2025–2036

92 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Cullen Mangan Red Moon Biodynamic from Margaret River is a vibrant, medium bodied red blend that captures the spirit of biodynamic farming and the unique character of the Mangan Vineyard. Crafted by Vanya Cullen, one of Australia's most respected winemakers and a true pioneer of biodynamics, this wine offers an energetic and expressive take on alternative red varieties, full of freshness, structure, and personality.

The Mangan Vineyard is located just a few kilometres inland from the Indian Ocean, where the cooling maritime influence and ancient gravelly soils over clay create ideal conditions for growing Bordeaux varieties and Mediterranean reds. The Red Moon blend changes slightly depending on the vintage but typically features a mix of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, bringing together plush fruit, aromatic lift, and fine tannins in a seamless package.

Fruit is handpicked according to the biodynamic calendar and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Gentle extraction techniques are used to preserve brightness and avoid over-extraction, and maturation takes place in seasoned French oak barrels to build texture while keeping the wine fresh and fruit driven.

In the glass, Cullen Mangan Red Moon reveals aromas of mulberry, black cherry, violets, dried herbs, and hints of cocoa. The palate is juicy and elegant with dark berry fruits, fine dusty tannins, refreshing acidity, and a long savoury finish with a touch of earthy complexity. It is a lively, charming wine that remains true to Cullen’s philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum terroir expression.

Perfect with grilled lamb, mushroom and lentil ragu, or roasted root vegetables, this biodynamic blend is ideal for those who love medium bodied reds with depth and vibrancy.