Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014
The Wine
99/100 Winsor Dobbin "I was absolutely blown away by the quality of this new release from Vanya Cullen (actually it was a sneak peek and the wine will be released next month). It is probably the best young Australian red wine I have ever tasted – an instant classic. It is still youthful but everything is beautifully balanced. With fruit intensity (think dark currants and berries), quality French oak (69% new barriques), hints of tobacco leaf and superb structure, this is on the same level as first and second growth Bordeaux from the best years. A tribute to Cullen’s mother, Margaret River wine industry pioneer Diana Cullen, this is a blend of 89?bernet sauvignon with small batches of petit verdot, merlot, malbec and cabernet franc. The bees knees and I’m happy to give it 99/100 (not something I do very often). You won’t be disappointed."
98/100 James Halliday, Wine Companion 2017 "89'%'cabernet sauvignon, 4'%' petit verdot, 3'%' merlot and 2'%' of malbec and cabernet franc blended after fermentation, hand-picked and sorted, destemmed (66% whole berries), wild-fermented in stainless steel, average 23 days on skins, matured in French oak (69'%' new) for 18 months. Right in the slot of the style established (with some polishing and refining) over the years. The complexity of the texture and structure is second to none, led by the born to rule cabernet, the other varieties obviously of minor importance, but important nonetheless. The might of the tannins is the key to this great wine."
The Details
Variety - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Country - Australia
Region - Western Australia
Sub Region - Margaret River
Alc. Content - 14
Std Drinks (Approx.) - 8.3
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2014
Volume - 750ml