2001 Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot is one of the finest Australian Cabernet Merlots.  The wine is generally a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  Prior to the 2001 vintage this wine was simply known and labelled ‘Cullen Cabernet Merlot’.  In 1966 Dr. Kevin Cullen and his wife Diana Cullen planted a trial one acre vineyard on their farm at Wilyabrup in the Margaret River.  The vineyard now covers about 70 acres.  Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot is made from only the best barrels, the fruit coming from estate vines that were planted on the farm from 1971.  The fruit is hand picked at optimum ripeness and flavour development.  Anywhere between 10% and 50% of the wine is partially barrel fermented; the remainder is given extended maceration before further maturation in 30% new, tightly-grained French oak barrqués (total maturation time is about 18 months).  Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot is known for its extraordinary fruit definition and classic tannin structure.

2001 Cullen Diana Madeline Tasting Notes:

Colour – Dense, mulberry red.