Cullen Diana Madeline 2023

Tasting Notes

• Colour – Deep mulberry with velvet cherry hues and hints of red brick
• Bouquet – Rich cherry, dark chocolate, rose, violet, ironstone, and subtle spice
• Palate – Juicy, structured, and complex, with unctuous fruit supported by fine-grained tannins. Cherry, mulberry, and dark chocolate merge seamlessly with an earthy minerality, leaving a long, elegant finish.

Vintage & Vineyard

The 2023 vintage was exceptional for Cabernet Sauvignon, with low yields producing fruit of remarkable intensity and purity.

• Vineyard: 100% Cullen Estate Vineyard (certified biodynamic & carbon positive)
• Harvest: 12th–16th March (three flower days, full moon fruit day)
• Vine Age: Cabernet Sauvignon (planted 1971), Merlot (1976), Cabernet Franc (1976), Malbec (1978)

Winemaking & Maturation

Crafted with minimal intervention to highlight the purity of the fruit and terroir:

• Hand-harvested on biodynamic calendar days
• 30 days on skins for enhanced structure and complexity
• Matured for 14 months in 55% new French oak (barriques & puncheons)
• No fining or additions, allowing for a natural, expressive wine

Perfect Food Pairings

• Margaret River Wagyu beef – A classic pairing for this elegant Cabernet blend
• Confit duck – The richness of the dish complements the wine’s plush fruit and fine tannins
• Roasted root vegetables – Brings out the wine’s earthy complexity and spice
• Aged cheddar or Manchego – Enhances the wine’s deep fruit and silky texture

Acclaim

✅ 98 Points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
“Wonderfully vibrant purple in colour. The nose gives plums, cassis, nutmeg, mocha, cigar box, and near-perfect oak integration. Finely balanced with immense length, silky yet structured tannins, and alluring depth. This will sail through 15–20 years in the cellar.”

✅ 98 Points – Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
“Bright and brilliant with a nervy, tense energy driving the palate. Succulent fruit harnessed by chalky tannins and 55% new oak. A wine of extraordinary elegance and poise, with decades ahead of it.”

✅ 98 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“Deep red-purple hue, shy bouquet leading into a latent, structured palate with masses of fine tannins. Subtle violet and blackberry emerge. Tremendous depth, muscle, and longevity – this will evolve beautifully over time.”

Additional Information 

• Region: Wilyabrup, Margaret River
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Cellaring: Enjoy now or age for 50+ years
• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
• Closure: Screw cap