Overview
The 2020 Cullen Diana Madeline 750ml is the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Cullen Wines, one of Margaret River's most iconic and influential estates. Named in honour of co-founder Diana Cullen, this benchmark wine has become one of Australia's most collectible Bordeaux-style blends, celebrated for its elegance, longevity and unwavering sense of place.
Produced exclusively from the certified organic and biodynamic Cullen estate in Wilyabrup, the 2020 vintage reflects the winery's unwavering commitment to sustainability and minimal-intervention winemaking. Combining exceptional fruit purity with refined structure and remarkable ageing potential, Diana Madeline remains a defining expression of Margaret River Cabernet.
Vintage & Winemaking
The 2020 growing season in Margaret River was characterised by hot, dry conditions from budburst through harvest, producing naturally low-yielding vines with small, intensely flavoured berries. These drought-like conditions resulted in a wine of concentration, perfume and remarkable balance, while retaining the elegance that defines the Diana Madeline style.
The blend comprises 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, all sourced from the Cullen estate vineyard. Fermentation took place using a combination of closed tanks, open fermenters, barrels and amphorae with no additions of cultured yeast, acid or malolactic bacteria. The wine matured for 13 months in French oak barriques and puncheons (50% new oak, including biodynamic oak) before bottling, faithfully expressing both vineyard and vintage.
Product Highlights
| Attribute |
Details |
| Producer |
Cullen Wines |
| Wine |
Diana Madeline |
| Vintage |
2020 |
| Region |
Margaret River, Western Australia |
| Subregion |
Wilyabrup |
| Country |
Australia |
| Blend |
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec |
| Alcohol |
13.0% |
| Closure |
Screw Cap |
| Volume |
750ml |
| Style |
Premium Bordeaux Blend |
| Cellaring |
Now–2070+ |
- Certified Organic and Biodynamic estate since 2004
- Flagship wine from one of Margaret River's benchmark producers
- Awarded up to 98 points by leading Australian critics
- Minimal-intervention winemaking with indigenous fermentation
- Produced exclusively from the estate vineyard in Wilyabrup
- One of Australia's most collectible Cabernet-based blends
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep garnet with vibrant ruby-purple hues, youthful and brilliantly defined.
Aroma
Complex and perfumed, revealing mulberry, cassis, plum and black cherry alongside violets, wild rose, iodine, graphite, cigar box, chocolate and subtle savoury earthiness.
Palate
Elegant yet concentrated, with layers of juicy blackberry, mulberry, plum and cherry framed by fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity and the distinctive ironstone minerality of Wilyabrup. The palate combines power with remarkable precision and effortless balance.
Finish
Exceptionally long and refined, with lingering dark fruit, cedar, graphite and mineral notes supported by beautifully integrated tannins.
Food Pairing
The 2020 Cullen Diana Madeline pairs beautifully with:
- Margaret River Wagyu beef
- Roast lamb with rosemary
- Beef Wellington
- Venison loin
- Mature cheddar and hard-aged cheeses
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Cellaring Potential
Already displaying remarkable harmony and purity, the 2020 Diana Madeline possesses the concentration, structure and acidity to reward decades of careful cellaring.
Recommended drinking window: 2026–2070+
Critic Scores & Reviews
| Critic |
Score |
| James Halliday Wine Companion |
98 Points |
| Wine Advocate |
96 Points |
| The Wine Front |
96 Points |
"The medium-bodied palate is so perfectly balanced... a drinking span of 30 years and counting."
— James Halliday
