Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot 2005
|
|
Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot 2005
Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaret River, Australia
ratings pedigree (past vintages):
winemaker's notes:
This is a great wine and one of the very finest Bordeaux blends ever produced at Cullens. It was made using all of the five red grape varieties of Bordeaux, with Cabernet Sauvignon comprising three quarters of the blend. Merlot was the next most important contributor with 16%, followed by Malbec (5%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%). The wine has benefited from having been matured for 19 months in French barriques, of which 70% were new.
The 2005 Diana Madeline is a magnificent inky red color with a dense purple meniscus. The
nose combines youthful dark berry fruits with intense potpourri notes for a powerful yet
elegant example of Margaret River Cabernet. Dense black cherry and cassis fruits combine
with lifted floral notes and fine, dusty tannins, while the exceptionally long finish reflects
the quality of both producer and vintage.
alcohol by volume:
14.0%
critical acclaim:
"As ever, has fine but persistent tannins running from the fore-palate through to the
finish; the deep and intense fruit will sustain the wine until those tannins loosen their grip. All five
Bordeaux varieties present led by Cabernet Sauvignon (75%)."
96 Points
Australian Wine Companion
"With only 50 cases imported, this review will be of only
academic interest to most consumers, but for those lucky enough to latch onto a bottle or two, try
to hold off opening one until 2015 or so. Right now, it's oh so promising, but also very tight. Scents
of toasted almonds, vanilla and cassis only stubbornly emerge, and the wine is clearly packed with
potential but also showing a lot of tannin on the finish."
93 Points
Wine Enthusiast
"Bright purple. Intriguingly perfumed aromas of vibrant red- and blackcurrant, cherry and plum brightened by nervy mineral and fresh rose notes. Crisp and wonderfully focused red
fruit flavors show no rough edges and offer impressive depth; the floral quality builds with air and a hint of anise arrives on the back. This really expands and gains in sweetness on the long, spicy finish. Possesses the balance and concentration to repay at least another six years of cellaring."
93 Points
International Wine Cellar
"This has elegance and presence, striking a lovely balance between firm texture and fresh
fruit flavors, with tannins. The flavors persist winningly. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec,
Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2009 through 2015. 50 cases imported."
92 Points
Wine Spectator
"The Cullens grow this cabernet blend under biodynamic principles, working with 30-year-old vines. The fine scent of oak and the amplitude that aging in barrel can provide is the most immediate impression. Later, once the wine develops with air, fragrant cherry and blueberry scents come forward, along with firm, gentle tannins. The wine doesn't feel pushed at all, its natural balance certain to sustain it for years in the cellar."
91 Points
Wine & Spirits
User Wine Lists
The top 3 most viewed lists that include this wine.
Create a list and share your favorite wines with other customers.
Wish List - 9/29/2010 (47 items) (viewed 2963 times)
Divya's list - 9/6/2012 (36 items) (viewed 525 times)
|
OBCC05DM_2005
|
|
