2006 DIANA MADELINE
Langtons Classification 2005 - "Exceptional"
Vanya Cullen has taken her cabernet merlot into the top echelon of Australian cabernet through determination and superb technical skills. The vineyard site is planted on granitic soils in the central Willyabrup subregion of Margaret River. Cullen has adopted biodynamic viticulture principles to "achieve greater individuality of site through working with nature rather than against it". This estate style is about freshness and complexity, structure and suppleness. There are cassis and cedar aromas with fine, beautifully ripe tannins, and earthy, anise, gamy aromas and flavours develop with age. Named for Diana Cullen, who established the winery and vineyard with her husband in 1966. Top vintages: 2002, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994.
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As with Chardonnay produced in 2006, the very cool conditions that prevailed throughout the summer of that year likewise resulted in very low yields of the Bordeaux grape varieties at Cullen Wines. Those conditions have led, however, to the production of a very refined and elegant Diana Madeline and a wine that at 13% alcohol demonstrates unequivocally that fruit intensity and depth do not require a high alcohol content! This wine is very reminiscent of the Cabernet Merlot made in 1982, a year that was likewise very cool and resulted in harvesting occurring appreciably later than usual and at relatively low Baumés. Some idea of the potential of the 2006 Diana Madeline can be gauged by the fact that the 1982 Cabernet Merlot is still drinking very well and showing no signs of being on its last legs. The 2006 Diana Madeline was made from a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. The wine was matured for 15 months in French barriques, of which 40% were new.
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