Cullen

Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008

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  Vintage 2008
  96 points www.winecompanion.com.au

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot was picked at precisely the point Vanya Cullen decided the grapes - and in particular the tannins - had reached optimum ripeness; a sophisticated mistral blower on a sorting table removing leaf fragments and infertile berries, and a return to a basket press, have all combined to produce an extremely refined and elegant wine that is quite different to some of the earlier Cullen Cabernet Merlots. It shines with its length, finish and aftertaste.

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  Vintage 2008
  92+ points www.winefront.com.au

A medium bodied wine of classic styling with bright red fruits, top quality cedar oak and a pretty perfume. It’s clean and fresh with fine grained ripe tannin – deceptively light, but not without length or impact. I like the ‘luncheon claret’ style of it, but wouldn’t mind seeing just a little more oomph and Margaret River character. Almost certain to improve mind you. Value locally, not least on a world stage, is questionable this vintage, though its lightness does make for a compelling point of difference.