97 Points — Margaret River's Benchmark Biodynamic Cabernet, from a Pioneering Family Estate

My Wine Man on Cullen

Cullen is Margaret River royalty. One of the founding estates of the region, the Cullen family have farmed their Wilyabrup vineyard since 1971 and run it as a certified biodynamic and carbon-neutral property, among the most respected in Australia. Diana Madeline, named for the late matriarch and winemaker, is the estate's flagship: a Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend that ranks among the country's very best. The 2011 is a 97-point wine of real elegance and precision.

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet. A refined, perfumed nose of cassis and dark plum, lifted by cedar, violet, graphite, and subtle dried herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied and beautifully composed: pure dark-berry fruit framed by fine, silky tannins and the seamless texture Cullen is known for. Long, savoury, and precise through the finish, with the structure to age gracefully.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied, elegant and structured, with fine-grained tannins and excellent balance. Drinking beautifully now with decanting, and will continue to develop over the next decade. Serve at 16–18°C.

Food Pairing

A magnificent match for Grass-Fed Cape Grim Rib-Eye Steak from My Meat Man. Char-grilled rare, the clean grass-fed beefiness meets cassis and cedar.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HKD 799, the 2011 Diana Madeline is a 97-point flagship from one of Margaret River's founding and most revered estates, made biodynamically with a global reputation for quality. It sits comfortably alongside far pricier Cabernets, and few wines offer this combination of pedigree, purity, and cellaring potential at the price.

Looking for a Different Style?

2020 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon — Margaret River peer, structured and age-worthy.
2019 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet — flagship Margaret River Cabernet.
2017 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon — classic Margaret River producer.