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2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

This wine is referred to as the junior Diana Madeline, with the cabernet sauvignon grapes coming from the Cullen Wines ‘old block’ cabernet sauvignon, planted 50 years ago in 1971. It is a blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. The grapes were hand harvested on the fruit and flower days of the biodynamic calendar and fermented on skins for 10 – 26 days with indigenous yeasts. The malolactic fermentation went through naturally. The wine was aged for 7 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Vintage Notes

The 2021 harvest was defined by Covid and staff restrictions for hand harvesting. The low yields ensured that the crop was harvested at optimal condition and ripeness. Bird pressure was high and rain events during the growing seasons and also throughout harvest provided challenges.

In spite of these adverse conditions, in Wilyabrup, we finished harvest in good time and are very happy with the wines. Standout varieties: chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon.

Winemaker Notes

Vineyard: 63% Cullen Vineyard, 37% Mangan Vineyard

Varieties: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot,

Harvest Dates:  12th – 28th March on flower days, includ-ing a super Moon perigee, plus 2 picks on a full Moon fruit day and a MOSH fruit day.

Oak:  7 months in 30% new oak

Alcohol:  13%

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep purple Cellar: Enjoy now or for up to 30 years Bouquet: Powerful array of ironstone, chocolate, cherry, rose, violet and mulberry Food: Beef, lamb, miso eggplant. Palate: Fine grained tannins frame the structure of this beautifully fruited cabernet merlot blend from our 50 year old vines. Tannins are what make great wine quality, and this wine has ample - with tannins sitting at the front of the mouth pulling the flavours of cabernet through, so energetic with the tension between the savoury and sweet nature of this wine. Delicious and satisfying.

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Previous Releases

  • 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

    A wine we affectionately called ‘Junior Diana Madeline’ as it is predominantly old vine Cabernet Sauvignon planted on Cullen vineyard in 1971.

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  • 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

    This wine was produced on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate. This outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot from the 2018 vintage displays densely flavoured ripe dark fruits, complemented by discrete fine-grained tannins. It was matured in French oak barrels for 6 months, of which 25% were new.

    Read more    View Tasting Notes

  • 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

    This wine was produced on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate.

    Read more    View Tasting Notes

  • 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

    This outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot from the 2019 vintage displays densely flavoured ripe dark fruits, complemented by discrete fine-grained tannins.

    Read more    View Tasting Notes