2011 Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Jeroboam 3L
98 Points, Tyson Stelzer, Australia's Wine Business Magazine (26th July 2013)
Drink: 2031-2046. The marvels of superfine graphite structure, euphoric fragrance and enduring longevity achieved in the Cullen vineyard at just 12.5% alcohol are without precedent anywhere in the country. The sheer tannin shape of this wine is mesmerising, with enduring grip that will sustain it for at least three decades, yet the epitome of finesse and unashamedly medium-bodied. The clarity of violet perfume and depth of pristine red- and blackcurrants is faultless, perfectly framed in tobacco leaf, cedar, coffee bean and high cocoa dark chocolate. For the record, 80% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 4% malbec, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot – but I challenge you to spot any seam in its composition. One of the greatest and longest-lived Diana Madelines.
96+ Points - Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front (August 18 2013)
This release is an Australian classic in the making.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, the Cullen landscape: all are written in a clear, deliberate, careful script here. Interestingly for a cabernet sauvignon it's as much or more of a water-colour style than it is an oil painting. Bay leaves, pencils, mulberries, boysenberry and subdued blackcurrant. There's enough there, it's right before your eyes, but it's not shouting at you, just stop and listen and it's all there to take in. Herbal notes, fraying, crunch them between your fingers and they disintegrate. Tannin comes with the taut, heavy, foreboding strum of a double bass, incalzando. It's a wine of presence, and yet it's neither large nor loud; it makes complete sense, even when it doesn't.
98 Points, Tyson Stelzer, Australia's Wine Business Magazine (26th July 2013)
Drink: 2031-2046. The marvels of superfine graphite structure, euphoric fragrance and enduring longevity achieved in the Cullen vineyard at just 12.5% alcohol are without precedent anywhere in the country. The sheer tannin shape of this wine is mesmerising, with enduring grip that will sustain it for at least three decades, yet the epitome of finesse and unashamedly medium-bodied. The clarity of violet perfume and depth of pristine red- and blackcurrants is faultless, perfectly framed in tobacco leaf, cedar, coffee bean and high cocoa dark chocolate. For the record, 80% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 4% malbec, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot – but I challenge you to spot any seam in its composition. One of the greatest and longest-lived Diana Madelines.
96+ Points - Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front (August 18 2013)
This release is an Australian classic in the making.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, the Cullen landscape: all are written in a clear, deliberate, careful script here. Interestingly for a cabernet sauvignon it's as much or more of a water-colour style than it is an oil painting. Bay leaves, pencils, mulberries, boysenberry and subdued blackcurrant. There's enough there, it's right before your eyes, but it's not shouting at you, just stop and listen and it's all there to take in. Herbal notes, fraying, crunch them between your fingers and they disintegrate. Tannin comes with the taut, heavy, foreboding strum of a double bass, incalzando. It's a wine of presence, and yet it's neither large nor loud; it makes complete sense, even when it doesn't.
98 Points, Tyson Stelzer, Australia's Wine Business Magazine (26th July 2013)
Drink: 2031-2046. The marvels of superfine graphite structure, euphoric fragrance and enduring longevity achieved in the Cullen vineyard at just 12.5% alcohol are without precedent anywhere in the country. The sheer tannin shape of this wine is mesmerising, with enduring grip that will sustain it for at least three decades, yet the epitome of finesse and unashamedly medium-bodied. The clarity of violet perfume and depth of pristine red- and blackcurrants is faultless, perfectly framed in tobacco leaf, cedar, coffee bean and high cocoa dark chocolate. For the record, 80% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 4% malbec, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot – but I challenge you to spot any seam in its composition. One of the greatest and longest-lived Diana Madelines.
96+ Points - Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front (August 18 2013)
This release is an Australian classic in the making.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, the Cullen landscape: all are written in a clear, deliberate, careful script here. Interestingly for a cabernet sauvignon it's as much or more of a water-colour style than it is an oil painting. Bay leaves, pencils, mulberries, boysenberry and subdued blackcurrant. There's enough there, it's right before your eyes, but it's not shouting at you, just stop and listen and it's all there to take in. Herbal notes, fraying, crunch them between your fingers and they disintegrate. Tannin comes with the taut, heavy, foreboding strum of a double bass, incalzando. It's a wine of presence, and yet it's neither large nor loud; it makes complete sense, even when it doesn't.
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Vintage: 2011
Vineyard: 100% Cullen Vineyard.
Varieties:80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc & 1% Petit Verdot
Volume: 3000ml or 3L
Alcohol: 12.5%
