Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

The 2022 Diana Madeline epitomizes more than five decades of unwavering dedication, effort, and reverence for the land, all united in the pursuit of crafting exceptional wine. This vintage unfolded with perfection for the cultivation of elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, blessed with early warmth followed by a tempering coolness, resulting in an epic harvest where reds matured earlier than usual.

Hand-harvested over five meticulously chosen biodynamic calendar days, spanning from the 12th to the 16th of March, the process embraced three auspicious flower days, culminating on a full Moon fruit day—a celestial convergence marked by the conjunction of Venus and Saturn.

With an average of 30 days spent on skins, this wine underwent a transformative journey, spending 14 months gracefully maturing in a combination of 55% new oak, housed within a blend of biodynamic barriques and puncheons. The final composition, a symphony of flavors, comprises 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec—a harmonious blend that speaks to the heritage of the vines.

Rooted in history, the Cabernet Sauvignon vines date back to 1971, joined by the Merlot in 1976, Cabernet Franc in 1976, and Malbec in 1978—a testament to the beauty and depth of this remarkable old vine wine.

Vintage 2023 was a low yielding vintage which resulted in some stunning grapes and hence quality wine. In particular Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited the best typicity of varietal manifestation. The 52 year old vines consistently yield well year on year out.

The growing conditions until December were cold and wet and due to the negative Indian dipole and La Niña effects finishing in December 2022 we had an unprecedented dry spell from December until the end of harvest.

Small berry size particularly in white grape varieties produced beautifully balanced wines; Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Malbec all outstanding.