2014 Cullen Diana Madeline
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Diana Madeline is chalky and gravelly and succulent, with a splay of drying tannin that balances the sweet fruit. The 2014 season was warm and dry, and many of the Cabernets produced in this year have a supple, pliable character that is most attractive. The cépage looks like 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. This is elegant and cooling, which highlights the detail and poise inherent in the wine. 13.6% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Critic scores
James Halliday
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Certified biodynamic. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. 18 months in French oak, of which 69% was new . Tasted blind. Very concentrated crimson. Sweet and ripe. Luscious with mild graphite underneath all that opulence. Pretty marked dry tannins on the end so perhaps a modern bordeaux but sweeter on the end than say Domaine de Chevalier. (JR)
(69 percent new French oak) Youthful violet. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet displays smoke-accented cherry liqueur, cassis, vanilla, pipe tobacco and incense aromas and a sexy Moroccan spice overtone. Sweet and lively on the palate, offering concentrated dark fruit, floral pastille, chewing tobacco and mint flavors that deepen and pick up a hint of cola with aeration. Seamless, focused and lithe for its depth, finishing very long and spicy, with building florality and fine-grained tannins lending gentle grip.
89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Deep crimson. There's a very light leafy note that reminds you you are in Margaret River but the overriding impression is cassis purity – fruit and leaf. Succulent and dry in texture at the same time. Refined and elegant. The tannins are felt on the finish at this stage but no heat or aggression. Great harmony. (JH)