At a glance

Producer

Cullen Wines

Region

Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

AUD $150-$220 (premium/ultra-premium)

Tasting profile

Ripe dark berries, violets, subtle graphite, cedar, restrained oak, herbal lift typical of biodynamics.

Evolution: Over the next decade, primary fruit will integrate with secondary savory, earth, tobacco and mineral notes.

At peak: At peak: layered cassis, plum, forest floor, tobacco leaf, fine-boned structure, pronounced but harmonious tannins and vibrant acidity, persistent length.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, lively, supports long-term aging

Tannins

Firm, ripe, tightly knit

Alcohol

Typically 13–13.5%

Aging potential

20+ years; sufficient density and balance for extended development

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2032 to 2040

Optimal window

2028 to 2045

Current status

Juvenile, tightly wound, requires extended cellaring for best experience

Current condition

Firm tannins, bright acidity, primary fruit and oak integration; structure for long aging

The 2023 Diana Madeline, as with prior Margaret River vintages, is designed to evolve slowly, reaching nuanced maturity with tertiary aromatics and a harmonious palate between years 10-20. Structure and balance support slow positive evolution.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, aged beef, duck confit, hard cheeses (Comté, aged cheddar), mushroom risotto, ratatouille.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, ripe tannins and is still young at 2 years old, which suggests that decanting will help soften the tannins and enhance the aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 10/10

Solar-powered winery, extensive composting and biodynamic preparations, dry farming, cover cropping, minimal irrigation, on-site biodiversity, glass reduction in packaging, carbon sequestration, fully minimal intervention winemaking.

Cullen Wines is widely recognized as the sustainability benchmark for Australian wineries, and globally. The Diana Madeline is certified biodynamic and organic, farmed with extreme care for water use, soil health, and biodiversity. Estate is carbon positive (removes more CO2 than it produces via reforestation, compost, minimal intervention), and significant renewable energy is used. Packaging is light, and distribution considers environmental impact. Few wines, worldwide, can credibly claim a higher sustainability performance.