Cullen Diana Madeline 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region of Western Australia, specifically the subregion of Wilyabrup, is renowned for producing some of Australia's most refined and structured wines. This area benefits from a maritime climate that is influenced by the Indian and Southern Oceans, providing a long, warm growing season with cool nights, which is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. Wilyabrup's soil, composed of ancient granite, gravelly sandy loam, and lateritic subsoils, ensures excellent drainage and promotes deep root growth, which is essential for producing concentrated, high-quality fruit. Founded in 1971, the Cullen vineyard is one of the oldest in the area and has become a benchmark for biodynamic and organic viticulture in Australia, reflecting the region's distinctive terroir and Cullen’s commitment to sustainability.

The Cullen vineyard was planted by Dr. Kevin and Diana Cullen and has been continuously managed under biodynamic principles since 2004. Today, the estate is certified biodynamic and entirely carbon-neutral. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines span 11.33 hectares while the Merlot was added in 1976, covering 1.76 hectares. The estate's vines are now mature, with deep roots that enhance the complexity of the grapes. This meticulous attention to both the land and the vines allows the Cullen team to produce wines that express the full character of Wilyabrup with elegance and precision.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage was marked by challenging conditions, including a series of rain events and high bird pressure, but low yields ensured the fruit ripened fully and maintained concentration. The grapes, consisting of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec, were hand-harvested on biodynamic fruit and flower days. Each variety was vinified separately with indigenous yeasts, preserving the natural complexity of each grape and allowing for a nuanced blend.

Once fermented, the wine was aged for 15 months in biodynamic French oak barrels, with 50% new oak used to enhance structure and impart subtle, toasty undertones. The result is a wine that balances the lush fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon with the floral notes of Cabernet Franc and the roundness of Merlot and Malbec. This careful aging regimen, paired with biodynamic practices, yields a wine of remarkable depth, vibrancy, and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a vivid purple rim.
• Aroma: An enchanting bouquet of cherry, cedar, rose, and dark chocolate mingles with subtler notes of iron and sandalwood.
• Palate: Silky tannins frame a complex palate, where flavors of salty plum, dark chocolate, cedar, and cherry harmonize with floral touches of rose and a hint of sandalwood. The wine finishes with impressive length, leaving a juicy, unctuous impression that reflects both the power and finesse of the vintage.

Did you know?

The Diana Madeline 2021 vintage not only celebrates 50 years of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in the Wilyabrup vineyard, but it also honors Diana Madeline Cullen, the matriarch of the Cullen family. In 2023, she would have celebrated her 100th birthday, marking her as an icon in Australian wine history. Her daughter, Vanya Cullen, continues her legacy with a pioneering commitment to biodynamic and sustainable practices that are setting standards worldwide.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roasted Lamb with Rosemary: The wine’s structured tannins and savory, cedar notes beautifully complement the richness and herbaceous undertones of roasted lamb.
• Beef Wellington: The juicy dark fruit and earthy sandalwood flavors in the wine enhance the mushrooms and tender beef in this classic dish.
• Aged Gouda or Comté Cheese: These cheeses have a nutty, slightly caramelized profile that matches the wine’s complex, earthy layers and accentuates its depth.
• Duck à l'Orange: The fruity acidity and dark chocolate notes in the Diana Madeline offer a delightful counterpoint to the sweet citrus glaze and rich duck meat.

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.