The 2013 Cullen Diana Madeline is one of Australia's most revered Cabernet-based blends and a benchmark wine of Margaret River. Produced by Cullen Wines, this flagship wine is named in honour of Diana Cullen, whose vision helped establish Margaret River as one of the world's great fine wine regions.
Widely regarded as one of Australia's First Growth-style wines, Diana Madeline is crafted from biodynamically and organically farmed estate vineyards in Wilyabrup, the heart of Margaret River. The blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by small portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, creating a wine of remarkable complexity, elegance, and longevity.
The exceptional 2013 vintage is considered one of the finest Margaret River vintages of the modern era. Warm, dry conditions and an extended ripening season allowed the fruit to achieve outstanding concentration, flavour definition, and tannin maturity while retaining freshness and balance.
Hand-harvested fruit was carefully sorted and fermented in small batches before maturation in French oak barrels. Cullen's biodynamic philosophy and minimal-intervention approach ensure that the vineyard character and purity of fruit remain at the forefront.
The bouquet is deeply aromatic and complex, revealing layers of blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry, intertwined with notes of violets, cedar, graphite, cigar box, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, and subtle dried herbs. With over a decade of bottle age, tertiary nuances of leather, forest floor, and savoury spice are beginning to emerge.
The palate is medium- to full-bodied, elegant, and impeccably structured. Concentrated dark fruit is framed by fine-grained tannins, vibrant natural acidity, and exceptional balance. The wine combines power and finesse in equal measure, finishing long, refined, and persistent.
Now entering a magnificent stage of development, the 2013 Diana Madeline is drinking beautifully but remains capable of further evolution for another 15–20 years in a quality cellar.
Winery: Cullen Wines
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2013
Style: Premium Cabernet Blend
Closure: Screwcap
Food Pairing: Beef Wellington, roast lamb, venison, duck breast, mushroom dishes, and mature hard cheeses.
