February 15, 2024
Arguably Margaret River's Finest Bordeaux Blend - Cullen Diana Madeline
“The Diane Madeline bottling has long been one of Australia’s iconic red wines” - Josh Raynolds, Vinous
The Cullen Diana Madeline 2019 is a true icon in the Margaret River which is renowned for producing outstanding Bordeaux-style blends. Sourced from the Wilyabrup sub-region famously known as the ‘Pauillac of Margaret River', the wine competes with the best in the Medoc.
After taking over from her parents Kevin and Diana 30 years ago, head winemaker Vanya Cullen reputation's has gone from strength to strength. She was awarded the title of 'Best Winemaker of the Year' by James Halliday's Wine Companion in 2020, and also received the 'Winemaker of the Year' award at the 2019 Australian Women in Wine Awards. The Cullen wines have grown a huge following for their pure, restrained style which along with a few other great producers, has put the Margaret River on the global fine wine map.
The Cullen Diana Medeline is named in honour after her mother Diana who along with her father Kevin founded the estate in 1971. The vines were planted in 1971 on ancient gravelly granite soils, producing a wine of great quality, elegance, perfume and balance.
The 2019 vintage scored a perfect 20/20 points from Matthew Juke being called it "Utterly spectacular" and "a tour de force and one of the finest DM I have ever tasted". Other publications trailed closely behind scoring 98-points from each Decanter, James Halliday Wine Companion and Real Review truly cememing that the 2019 is a must buy.
"The wines are of the highest quality; the Kevin John Chardonnay (named after her father) and Diana Madeline Cabernet blend (named after her mother) have become iconic Australian wines in their own right that speak of place, detail and personality. There is a variability and a magic about these wines; the greatest examples of them will veritably blow you away. Singular." - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
Cullen Diana Madeline 2019 (6x75cl)
20/20 Points | Matthew Jukes
Utterly spectacular. The balance, the blend, the finesse and the poise here is sensational. Such class and control and a multitude of flavour facets, none of which are hurried, cramped or in a rush to impress, The flavours are orderly, charming, polite and all-pervasive. This is a tour de force and one of the finest DM I have ever tasted.
98 Points | Decanter
Vanya Cullen is the tannin whisperer. Here, the finest of fine tannins are saturated deep within the fresh dark berry and currant fruit, conferring a dryness to the palate. This lends gravitas, without detracting from the fruit purity and sheer fluid grace of delivery. Finely honed, the fruit is perfumed with roses, violets, tobacco, bitter chocolate and cedar. A pronounced graphite and gravel undertow persists through the prolonged, elegant finish.
98 Points | James Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin
87% Cabernet sauvignon, with 7/3/2/1% merlot/cabernet franc/malbec/petit verdot. Matured for 15 months in barrique, 45% new. Cassis and red licorice on the nose, bay and salt bush, too. The palate is salty and fine with layers upon layers of spice and texture. The tannins are like finely textured gills, stacked as delicately as the folds in a mushroom. The length of flavour unfurls and extends across the palate, taking so long to fade that this entire tasting note is possible off one sip. The rest are just for pleasure. Drink it now, or in 40+ years from now… both will be possible.
98 Points | Real Review, Bob Campbell
Deep red colour with strong purple reflections. The bouquet is fresh and youthful but surprisingly complex in its youth, revealing violet, blueberry, raspberry and any number of other berry fruit aromas, cherry and dark plum, too, with oak influences evident but discreetly tucked into the wine. It's full-bodied and firm, the tannins perhaps a little more grippy and assertive than usual in this wine, the structure formidable and undoubtedly will endow it with long ageing prospects. Great intensity, power and drive through the palate, the finish long and super-satisfying. A very concentrated DM. It can be enjoyed now but should be cellared for best results. (87% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 2% malbec, 1% petit verdot. Matured in 45% new French oak for 15 months)