Cullen marks 50th birthday with a 98-point release

This year marks a major milestone for Margaret River icon Cullen Wines: 50 years of vinous excellence. 

This week, meanwhile, marks the release of the flagship 2019 Diana Madeline cabernet blend, recognised as one of the country's finest reds. 

I gave the 2019 Diana Madeline 98 points - my highest score of the year so far - for its impeccable poise and balance. 

"It is one of our best to date, some say rivalling the great 2018, and some say its even better," syas winemaker Vanya Cullen of the wine named in tribute to her trailblazing mother. 

I can't think of a better Valentine's Day gift for a wine-loving loved-one; and at $140 a bottle it remains a bargain compared to some of Australia's other icon wines. 

The vines were planted in 1971 and skin contact time ranged from 10-29 days before being gently basket pressed to barrel.The wine has spent an average of 15 months in oak, with 45% new oak, in a mixture of biodynamic barriques and puncheons. 

The varietal blend is 87% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% malbec. It is 100% organic and biodynamic and Vanya (above) says it will cellar for up to 50 years.

My notes: It is a dark wine this, richly perfumed and approachable early with a panoply of red fruit flavours from dark cherries to wild berries and black plums. A tour de force of balance and restraint at just 13.5% alcohol. A wine of length, concentration and style. 

For sports lovers think Flo Jo (without the drugs) in a bottle . 

See www.cullenwines.com.au/