Cullen Diana Madeline Wilyabrup

Viewed by some as Australia’s greatest winery although that would be hotly contested by more than a few. It would certainly be true to say they are one of the most influential. Vanya Cullen was the first Australian producer of note to move entirely to biodynamic practises and one of the first to commit to bottling her icon wine (this red) under screwcap. The estate is also totally carbon-neutral. Margaret River in Western Australia bears similarity to Bordeaux in terms of the free-draining gravel soils and maritime climate, reflected in this blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, which is aged in 40% new French oak barriques for 18 months. Bright deep purple, the 2017 Diana Madeline shows fantastic complexity and vibrancy on the nose with layers of dark fruits complemented by herbal notes. Elegant and poised; silky on the palate, delivering blueberry and currant flavours entwined with subtle cacao bitterness.