2024 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline

Rich, concentrated and possessing terrific density yet retaining it’s hallmark refinement this is a Diana Madeline of great power.

Certified organic and biodynamic this vintage is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Merlot. Maturation was for a period of 14 months in French oak, 50% of it new.
Outstanding depth of colour featuring a pitch black heart and a deep dark red black tinged hue. Captivating the olfactory senses are soaring aromatics of blackcurrant, violet and mulberry which are complimented by spicy vanillin cedar, gentle tobacco, earth and subtle bay leaf notes. Rich, concentrated and possessing terrific density, the palate nonetheless manages to retain it’s hallmark refinement. Expansive blackcurrant and mulberry fruits are framed by firm muscular tannins which provide a great framework for long term cellaring. Dusty vanillin cedar, tobacco, subtle earthy dark chocolate, spicy black olive and infusions of fresh herbs lend further complexity. Outstanding power with a long, tightly compacted finish.
Drink over the next 15-20 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews……
2024 was always facing a tough task following on from the truly sensational 2023 vintage. In Margaret River however, wonderful vintages seem the norm rather than the exception. 2024 broke records as the earliest, driest and hottest vintage experienced by the region, but the team found that biodynamic practices enabled the vineyards to come through and offer yet another superb DM Cab. Harvest took place over six pickings, on Fruit and Flower days and concluded on a Moon opposite Saturn astral event. The fruit was placed in a mix of amphorae and stainless steel tanks for wild fermentation and skin contact ranged from 15 to 78 days. Maturation was for an average of fourteen months, 50% of the barrels being new oak. The oak was a combination of puncheons and biodynamic barriques. The final wine is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Cabernet Franc 3% Malbec and 2% Merlot. Near black/maroon with a dark magenta rim, the nose reveals aromas of black fruits, tobacco leaves, cloves, a touch of axle grease, chocolate, cassis, aniseed and blackberries. Brilliantly structured, the texture is sleek and seductive with succulent fruit throughout. The wine is very, very long and finishes with the silkiest of tannins. A wonderful Margaret River Cabernet which will sail through the next twenty years. Over that period, there is room for further improvement. Drink 2026-2046.
98 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

Very deep red-purple colour, with a beautifully fragrant nose of cedar, tobacco leaf, crushed mulberry and blackberry, the full-bodied and muscular palate sporting masses of tannins which are ripe and supple without astringency or bitterness. This is very concentrated and power-packed, and begs to be left alone for several years before broaching, and will pay off big time if cellared. Hide it away to get your full money's worth. A glorious cabernet blend of outstanding potential.
97 Points
Huon Hooke – The Real Review