Cullen Diana Madeline 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region of Western Australia, particularly the subregion of Wilyabrup, is renowned for producing some of Australia’s finest and most age-worthy wines. Benefiting from a maritime climate influenced by the Indian and Southern Oceans, the area experiences warm, dry growing seasons with cool nights, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. The soils in Wilyabrup are composed of ancient granite, gravelly sandy loam, and lateritic subsoils, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the intensity and complexity of the fruit. These conditions enable the development of deeply rooted vines, which extract distinct mineral notes from the subsoil, further enhancing the wine’s character.

The Cullen vineyard, established in 1971 by Dr. Kevin and Diana Cullen, is now under the stewardship of their daughter Vanya Cullen. The estate, spanning 11.33 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.76 hectares of Merlot, is certified biodynamic and carbon-neutral, underscoring Cullen’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The conversion to biodynamic practices is credited with enhancing the depth and purity of the fruit, allowing the Cullen team to create wines that express the unique terroir of Wilyabrup with exceptional precision and elegance.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage was marked by dry conditions, with lower-than-average rainfall and hot weather persisting from January to March, producing drought-like circumstances. These conditions led to small berry sizes and low yields, allowing for concentrated flavors and natural balance in the fruit. The blend consists of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, all of which were hand-harvested on biodynamic fruit and flower days, ensuring optimal ripeness and flavor complexity.

Following harvest, each grape variety was fermented separately with indigenous yeasts for 10 to 29 days. The wine was then gently basket-pressed and matured for 13 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak to enhance structure and depth. The use of biodynamic oak contributes to the unique profile of the wine, emphasizing Cullen’s commitment to sustainable, natural winemaking practices. The final blend captures the essence of the vintage’s intensity while maintaining an elegant, nuanced profile that speaks to both the vineyard and the winemaker’s skill.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Garnet with youthful ruby-purple hues.
• Aroma: Rich and complex, featuring aromas of mulberry, chocolate, wild rose, and a hint of curry leaf that add depth to the bouquet.
• Palate: A juicy core of mulberry, plum, and cherry is complemented by fine-grained tannins and an earthy minerality with notes of ironstone and dust, reflecting the heat and concentration of the vintage. The palate balances lightness and intensity, with a lingering, unctuous finish that showcases both the wine’s fruit purity and its potential for aging.

Did you know?

The Diana Madeline 2020 is a tribute to Diana Cullen, co-founder of the estate and a pioneering figure in Australian viticulture. The dry, warm conditions of this vintage mirror those of the renowned 2003 vintage, providing a similar structure and balance. This vintage also showcases Vanya Cullen’s dedication to biodynamic viticulture, which has positioned the Cullen estate as one of Australia’s most respected biodynamic producers.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef Bourguignon: The wine’s concentrated fruit and earthy, ironstone notes enhance the depth of this rich, slow-cooked dish.
• Lamb Tagine with Prunes: The mulberry and plum flavors in the wine beautifully complement the sweetness of the prunes, while its tannic structure balances the lamb’s richness.
• Truffle Risotto: The wine’s minerality and earthy notes pair elegantly with the umami-rich flavors of truffle, making for a luxurious combination.
• Hard Aged Cheddar: This cheese’s sharp, nutty profile highlights the wine’s complexity and concentrated fruit flavors.

History of Cullen

Founded by Kevin and Diana Cullen in 1971, Cullen Wines is among the oldest estates in Margaret River, a region they helped put on the world wine map. Initially focused on creating quality wines reflective of their terroir, the Cullens were early advocates of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, setting a benchmark for the style within the region. Kevin, a medical doctor, and Diana, a passionate wine advocate, envisioned their winery as a family venture that prioritized quality, environmental stewardship, and regional expression.

In 1989, Vanya Cullen, their daughter, took the helm as head winemaker. Under her leadership, the estate saw a transformative shift towards biodynamic farming and, eventually, carbon-neutral certification—a first in Australia. Vanya’s dedication to minimal intervention winemaking has been pivotal to Cullen Wines’ success and evolution, emphasizing natural vine health and soil vitality. Her influence has garnered international acclaim, including multiple Winemaker of the Year awards, and she continues to lead Cullen Wines as an exemplar of biodynamic and organic viticulture in Australia.

Region and Vineyards

Cullen Wines is situated in Wilyabrup, a premier subregion within Margaret River, just two miles from the Indian Ocean. This proximity provides a Mediterranean climate that balances warm, sunny days with cool, ocean-breezed nights. Such conditions support a long growing season, ideal for Bordeaux varietals and Chardonnay. These factors allow the vines to ripen slowly, enhancing natural acidity and aromatic complexity in the fruit, which is essential for the elegant, age-worthy wines Cullen is known for.

The 69-acre estate is entirely biodynamically farmed and dry-grown, which strengthens vine resilience and promotes intense, site-expressive flavors in the grapes. The soils are composed of granite and gravelly sandy loam over lateritic subsoils, providing excellent drainage that encourages deep rooting and concentrated flavors. Vanya Cullen’s implementation of the Lyre trellis system optimizes sunlight exposure and air circulation, enhancing the ripeness and quality of varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon. These vineyards, established in the 1970s, continue to produce wines with a true sense of place, showcasing Margaret River’s unique terroir and Cullen Wines' dedication to sustainable viticulture.

Wine Range of Cullen

Cullen Wines offers a selection of highly esteemed wines that emphasize the estate’s dedication to terroir expression and quality. The flagship Diana Madeline, a Bordeaux-style blend named in honor of founder Diana Cullen, is crafted from old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon and is revered for its balance, depth, and aging potential. This iconic wine is a testament to Cullen’s commitment to quality and minimal intervention.

The Kevin John Chardonnay, produced from old vines planted between 1976 and 1988, is another standout in the portfolio. Known for its elegance, texture, and complexity, this wine showcases the unique qualities of Margaret River Chardonnay and Cullen’s attention to biodynamic detail, including aging in biodynamic oak barrels.

Another notable wine is Vanya, a rare Cabernet Sauvignon produced only in exceptional vintages. It embodies Cullen’s minimalist approach to winemaking, with layers of primary fruit, savory undertones, and a structure that allows for extensive aging.

The Red Moon, a vibrant blend from the Mangan Vineyard, includes Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot and highlights Cullen’s passion for biodynamic practices with alternative varieties.

The Grace Madeline and Dancing in the Sun white blends capture the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Verdelho, celebrating the brightness and vibrancy of Margaret River’s maritime influence.

Did You Know?

Cullen Wines was the first winery in Australia to achieve carbon-neutral certification, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Each wine reflects a family legacy, with biodynamic practices that ensure both quality and sustainability for future generations.