Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018
- Rich, full-bodied
- Margaret River
With over two decades of dedicated organic and biodynamic viticulture, Cullenās connection between soil, climate and the cosmos is paramount. They see their vineyards as their own living, breathing organism and nurture their fruit to perfection.Ā
Profile
Speaking of perfection; the 2018 vintage in Margaret River was as close as you can get for cabernet grapes and if thereās only one premium wine you should indulge in this year, consider the Diana Madeline. With breathtaking poise and precision, this wine is without fault. Dashes of cabernet franc and malbec are added to the blend to bring about deeper complexities and an individual edge, expect this wine to continue to develop well into your twilight years. Make this the pinnacle of your cellar.
Part of our Women in Wine collection
We are committed to ALWAYS having wines available that are made by women. In an industry thatās still dominated by men, we believe in celebrating the incredible work women are doing. Hereās to our Women in Wine!
Halliday Winemaker of the Year 2020: Vanya Cullen is one of the most respected and admired women in Australian wine and we are thrilled to have access to her wonderful wines.
Reviews
James Halliday
āA wild-fermented Bordeaux blend matured for 18 months in French oak (40% new). It has waves of complexity, changing shape as the luxuriant cassis swells on the mid-palate, then finishes with ripe, textured tannins. The overall freshness is perfection.ā
Itās cool, we get it, you want to know absolutely everything about this wine. Well here you go, go nuts.
Specs
- Region
- Margaret River
- Vintage
- 2018
- Cellaring
- 2042
- Preservatives
- Sulphites
- Alcohol by Vol.
- 13.0%
- Closure
- Screwcap
- Bottle Vol
- 750mL
- Blend Info
- 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
- Serving Temp.
- 12.0Ā°C
Tasting
From the producer
Delicious aroma presentation of mulberry, cherry, rose, violets, dark chocolate, ironstone with completely intoxicating nectar. Classic old vine Cullen Wilyabrup, Cabernet Sauvignon. A powerful wine with fruit spreading across the palate. An abundance of fine tannins enhance the detail of Cabernet Sauvignon. Balanced with rose, violets and a compote of fruit, mulberry, plum, and cassis - deliciously dense with fruit. Smooth long flavour. Quintessential Diana Madeline in a great year.
Winemaking
Viticulture
These old vine Cabernet Sauvignon Houghton clones (8 different clones) were planted in 1971 on their own roots and are destined for the flagship wine Diana Madeline. 2018 produced small yields, being 5.88 tonnes per hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon from certified biodynamic, carbon negative fruit. This has created a natural wine with elegance, balance and power.
Crafting
The 2018 Diana Madeline was harvested over the fruit and flower days of the biodynamic calendar, including one full Moon fruit day for the Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The grapes were taken to tank, barrel and some amphorae for fermentation. Here they were fermented naturally without yeast or malolactic additions, and with no adjustment to flavor outside a small sulphur dioxide addition. The wine spent 14-27 days on skins before being gently basket pressed to barrel. The varietal blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. The wine was aged in 80% biodynamic barrels of which 50% were new. The wine will age for up to 50 years.
Region
Margaret River
Margaret River is as elusive as it is beautiful, such that you really need to visit to truly grasp its haunting beauty. Ćber-premium Cabernet, Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends grow here. 'Margies' only produces 3% of the country's grapes, but commands over 20% of its premium wine market, and hasn't had an off vintage since 2006. You start to realise how often this region is overlooked when you can list brands like Leeuwin, Cape Mentelle, Vasse Felix, and Voyager, not to mention Cullen, Pierro, Moss Wood, and Deep Woods. It's safe to say that it's time for a revisit.