4.8 / 5
Margaret River, Australia•Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
2021 Cullen Wines
Diana Madeline
Historical National Wine Show Trophies
Best in Show· 97Decanter DWWA
Trophy· 98IWSC
Trophy· 98Sydney Royal
Gold· 96.5Melbourne Royal
Dad’s Palate VerdictDecant: 60 mins
“Margaret River elegance at its peak. Vanya Cullen has captured pure violets, cassis and gravelly tannins. Doesn’t need heavy oak to show immense muscle.”
Technical Specifications
Verified vintage analysis & cellar handling parameters
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Label standard
Origin
Margaret River
Australia
Oak Aging
50% New French Oak Barriques (15 months)
Maturation profile
Closure Type
Screwcap
TCA risk protection
Decant Time60 minutes in wide carafe
Serving Temp16°C
Cellar Window2024 - 2042
WSET Tasting Notes (in Plain English)
Systematic approach stripped of snobbery, jargon, and nonsense.
Dad-Approved WSET Level 3
1. Appearance (In the Glass)
Vibrant ruby red with purple highlights.
4. The Finish
Pencil shavings and herbal lift that goes on for minutes.
2. On the Nose (Aromatics)
Crushed violetsBlackcurrant leafBay leafCedarwoodGraphite
3. On the Palate (Flavour & Texture)
Pure crunchy red and black currantsSilky graphite mineral coreMedium weight with intense persistence
Dad’s Drinking Window Verdict
2025 to 2040.
Culinary Science & Fire
Dad’s Kitchen & Hearth Pairing
Fat Softens Tannin · Acid Cuts Grease
The Ideal Table Cut:
Grass-Fed Rosemary Crusted Rack of Lamb
How Dad Prepares It:
Herb-crusted with Dijon, breadcrumbs, parsley and garlic, roasted pink medium-rare.
Rendered Marbling
Coats the palate and binds astringent tannins, turning bold oak and dark fruit velvety.
Ironbark Coals
Subtle woodsmoke complements French barrel toasting without overpowering the wine's fruit core.
The Cook’s Rulebook
Butcher's Resting Rule:
“Ask your butcher to French the bones cleanly for easy carving at the table.”
Bring meat to room temp 40 mins before cooking
Pour wine into decanter when firing the grill
Always carve perpendicular to muscle grain
Retail Availability & Sourcing
Buy This Bottle
Estimated Retail$140 AUD
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