2022 Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot

A masterful blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. The 2022 Diana Madeline is a culmination of over 50 years of dedication effort and respect for the land to make the best quality wine. Hand harvested with an average of 30 days on skins. The wine spent 14 months in 55% new oak. In a mixture of biodynamic barriques and puncheons. 

The Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in 1971, Merlot 1976, Cabernet Franc 1976 and Malbec in 1978… beautiful old vine wine. 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.

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.

‘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).’ 98 Points, Huon Hooke - The Real Review