1997 Cullen Diana Madeline 750ml

Overview

The 1997 Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Blend is a mature Margaret River red from one of Australia's most important family-owned estates. Built around Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it reflects the elegance, structure and longevity that made Cullen one of the benchmark names of Wilyabrup.

This is an old-vintage bottle from before Cullen's later certified biodynamic era, offering mature Cabernet complexity with blackcurrant, savoury herbs, cedar, leather and earthy development.

Vintage & Winemaking

Cullen's Cabernet-based wines are known for careful fruit selection, French oak maturation and a focus on purity, balance and site expression. The estate vineyard in Wilyabrup was first planted in 1971 by Diana and Kevin Cullen, with Cabernet Sauvignon becoming central to the winery's identity.

Product Highlights

• Mature Margaret River Cabernet blend from Cullen Wines.
• 93 points from Jeremy Oliver.
• Old-vintage Wilyabrup red with collector appeal.
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec blend.
• One of Australia's benchmark Cabernet producers.
• Drink-now mature bottle.

Critic Scores & Reviews

• 93 points - Jeremy Oliver, tasted January 2003.

Tasting Notes

Expect mature Cabernet notes of blackcurrant, dried herbs, cedar, tobacco, leather, savoury spice and earthy complexity. The palate should show resolved structure, softened tannins and the elegant line associated with mature Margaret River Cabernet blends.

Food Pairing

Pair with chicken pastilla, Secreto Iberico, sliders, pulled beef burger, roast beef, venison or aged hard cheeses.

Cellaring Potential

The original drinking window has passed. This is a mature old-vintage bottle best approached as drink now, with condition and provenance important.

About Cullen Wines

Cullen Wines was founded by Diana and Kevin Cullen in Wilyabrup, Margaret River, with the first vineyard planted in 1971. The estate later became one of Australia's leading organic and biodynamic producers, with Vanya Cullen continuing the family's focus on purity, sustainability and site expression.

Specifications

• Producer: Cullen Wines
• Wine: Diana Madeline Cabernet Blend
• Vintage: 1997
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Country: Australia
• Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
• Wine Style: Red Wine - Bold and Structured
• Sweetness: Dry
• Oak: French oak
• Bottle Size: 750ml