2013 DIANA MADELINE, Cullen. Margaret River, Western Australia

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc; aged for 17 months in French oak (60% new oak).

One of the first estates (1965) in this now much-admired region near Perth, Cullen is now run by Di and Kevin’s daughter Vanya. She has converted the whole estate to full biodynamics and continues to win accolades at almost every major wine show.

2020-2035

This is fine, serious, ageworthy Aussie Cabernet. Will undoubtedly mature into something very comparable to a top claret from a ripe vintage.

“A low yielding year of 4 tons per hectare, owing to hail and storms during the ripening period. The grapes were harvested between 20 February and 7 March and the wine was aged for 17 months in oak, 60% new. Sleek blackcurrant and richer crème de mure and cassis flavours are interwoven with mulchy rose petal, bitter chocolate, charred radicchio, earth and iodine notes. Fine-grained tannins underpin the whole, demonstrating terrific structure and complexity.” Sarah Ahmed, Decanter Magazine