2020 Cullen ‘Diana Madeline` Wilyabrup Margaret River, Western Australia – buy online

WHO?

Cullen Wines is a biodynamically certified, carbon-neutral, and powered by natural energy winery whose philosophy is summed up in three simple words: quality, integrity, and sustainability. Established in 1971 by Dr. Kevin and Diana Cullen, while currently helmed by their daughter Vanya, the winery has built an almost cult reputation for wines that redefine the style within the biodynamic discipline and regularly win globally prestigious awards and accolades. In 2019, celebrating 30 years at the helm, Vanya received a double honor as ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the Australian Women in Wine Awards and the Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

WHERE?

Cullen is one of the oldest and certainly the most awarded wineries in Wilyabrup, Margaret River, perhaps the most famous region in Western Australia. The Mangan vineyard is adjacent to the Cullen vineyard in Wilyabrup. In the ‘East Block’ section of the vineyard, Malbec is deeply rooted and nurtured in the Scott Henry trellising system, increasing sun exposure and thus grape quality. Petit Verdot is also planted in gravelly soil and yields minimal crops of extremely concentrated clusters.

WHY?

Cullen Winery follows the maxim that great wines are made in the vineyard. Therefore, before planting, extreme attention is paid to selecting the best possible location. One of Australia’s consistently best Cabernet-based blends. The 2017 vintage is elegant, somewhat restrained at this stage but irresistibly appealing. The cool ripeness of black currant liqueur is framed by a gentle touch of oak, imparting a dusty note of dark chocolate to the entire composition. In the mouth, it is generous, full-bodied, with a fantastic mid-palate and controlled power that never exceeds its boundaries. A subtly yet powerfully wine whose strong mineral seal prevents it from falling into the trap of New World fruit triviality…

Decanter – 98 pts James Suckling – 95 pts