Winery & Vintage Info
Grown in the ancient soils of Wilyabrup, Cullen wine comes from the heart of the land rather than the mind of the winemaker. They are the only biodynamic and carbon positive winery in the region.
Biodynamic viticulture is a philosophy combining the maintenance of sustainable soil fertility and the recognition of the synergy between plant growth and the rhythms of the cosmos. It is a method of farming that treats the vineyard as a living system, which interacts with the environment to build a healthy living soil that helps to nourish the vines and general environment.
Since 1971 when the Cullen Estate was planted, chemical intervention was minimal and the family’s concern for the environment paramount.
The Cullen Diana Madeline is the flagship of the Cullen Winery, showcasing the pinnacle of Australia’s Cabernet Blends.
The Cullen Wines Team couldn’t believe their good fortune as the weather conditions in late 2009 and early 2010 began to unfold and it became clear that 2010 was going to produce the fourth outstanding vintage on the trot. The good rainfall that fell in November helped the vines through some hot weather and prudent shoot and foliage trimming, aided by the numerous benefits of biodynamic viticulture, resulted in an increase in yields, but without any loss of quality.
The Marri blossom in the late summer and early autumn of 2010 was profuse and consistent, which kept the silver eyes occupied and thus only some of the most vulnerable vines needed netting. The summer was slightly warmer and drier in 2010 than in 2009, resulting in the production of slightly richer wines in the more recent of those vintages. The Cullen family are delighted that quality has spread itself across all white and red grape varieties.
The 2010 Diana Madeline is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. Harvested between the 1st and 28th of March. Aged for an average of 19 months in French oaks barrels, of which 51% were new.
