Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

A$170.00

Availability
In stock
Volume
750ml
Region/Country
Margaret River, Australia
Rating
98 points

Vintages

2022

Description

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.

Ratings

Score
98 points
Reviewer
Ken Gargett
Review

‘Needless to say, Margaret River enjoyed another superb vintage with the 2022 season. Slightly cooler, Cullen report that it was a vintage of “immense perfume and texture”. This wine will be released early February to coincide with Diana’s 101st birthday.

The wine is a wonderfully vibrant purple in colour. The nose gives up plums, cassis, spices including nutmeg, chocolate, mocha, bay leaves, cigar box notes – think a freshly opened box of Cohiba Siglo VI – and near perfect oak integration. This is finely balanced and exhibiting immense length. The palate sees the emergence of aniseed, mulberries and coffee beans. An alluringly supple palate with the silkiest of tannins, though plenty of them – there really is some grip here. This will easily sail through fifteen to twenty years in a good cellar.’

Score
98 points
Reviewer
Ray Jordan
Review

Really delivers as you might expect from this excellent concentrated and powerfully frame vintage in Margaret River. It’s dominant cabernet with smaller portions of merlot, cabernet franc and malbec. Typical of this wine since switching to biodynamics, it is bright and brilliant with a nervy tense energy to drive the palate. The succulent fruit is harnessed by fine chalky tannins and neatly played oak of which 55% was new. A wine of extraordinary elegance and poise with a few of many decades.

Score
98 points
Reviewer
Huon Hooke
Review

‘Deep, bright red-purple colour with a reserved, shy bouquet that leads into a similarly latent palate where masses of fine tannins lie stealthily in wait. Subtle violet and blackberry traces. There is tremendous depth and muscle to this wine but it is still a little in its shell and needs more time to open. Masses of tannin bode well for its future in the cellar. Decanting may work if broaching it young. (89% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 3% malbec. Aged in 55% new oak for 14 months).’

Specifications

Closure
Screw cap
Serving Temp.
16-18 °C
Alcohol
13.5%
Cellar until
Now - 2054
Food pairing
Margaret River Wagyu beef, confit duck, roast root vegetables.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Rich cherry, chocolate , rose, violet, ironstone, curry leaf.
Palate
Juicy rich structure, rich chocolate, mulberry, cherry with beautiful fine grained tannins supporting ethereal fruit with unctuous texture and complexity inviting you back for another taste and glass of this delicious wine. Drinks well now and will last for at least 50 years.

Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022
Bottle
QTY

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The Reserve Cellars. ABN 89621364994 Liquor License 196883. The Reserve Cellar supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. WARNING: Under the Liquor Act 1992, it is an offence to supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $6,000). for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $500).

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