27/03/2026 - Australia's finest Cabernet & Chardonnay - Cullen Diana Madeline 2023 and Kevin John 2024

Cullen is without doubt Margaret River's finest producer, and their top red and white wines, Diana Madeline Cabernet and Kevin John Chardonnay, are arguably Australia's finest.  I am pleased to offer the latest releases - 2023 Diana Madeline and 2024 Kevin John.

Also offered below, the Mangan East Block 2019 is a lush blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot that is well worth a look and is available for far less money than any of the more recent vintages. Only 3 cases of 6 bottles remain in stock.

£425 In Bond per 6x75

“In a word: stunning. The best vintage in recent memory.” – Angus Hughson
 
“It's immune to hyperbole.” – Erin Larkin
 
“Excellent.” – James Suckling

‘Diana Madeline’ pays tribute to Vanya’s mother, who lobbied to protect Tasmania’s Lake Pedder and the Margaret River coastline. She was also the very first woman to wear trousers in Busselton! Diana helped plant the first rows of Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling at Cullen Wines in 1971, later taking on winemaking responsibilities and actively implementing organic and biodynamic practices. According to Vanya, Diana had the ability to make anyone feel like the most important person in the world. The old vines grown for ‘Diana Madeline’ were planted at the estate in 1971 (Cabernet Sauvignon), 1976 (Merlot and Cabernet Franc) and 1978 (Malbec). 
 
The 2023 vintage was a low yielding year which resulted in outstanding grape quality, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon. The growing conditions until December were cold and wet and due to the negative Indian dipole and La Niña effects finishing in December (2022). Cullen then had an unprecedented dry spell from December until the end of harvest in early April 2023.
 
The grapes for ‘Diana Madeline’ were harvested over seven individual picks. The final blend in 2023 comprises 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot.

“The 2023 Diana Madeline looks as good as ever. The 2023 vintage was superb in almost every way a vintage can be: long, dry, mild and devoid of major heat or viticultural challenges, and while some of the very late ripening red varieties (in specific pockets) had the potential to be affected by some autumn rain, pretty well everything got through without a hitch. It has piercing notes of cassis, bay leaf, raspberry pip, licorice and exotic spice. It is long, balanced and eminently harmonious, and it has an extraordinarily long future ahead of it. It's immune to hyperbole. 13.7% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.”
 98+ points – Erin Larkin, January 2026, Robert Parker

“So much purity and precision, showing aromas of blackcurrants, graphite, violets, cedar and licorice with a core of black fruit intertwined with undertones of spices, bitter chocolate and iron. The wonderfully poised palate has firm yet refined tannins and a plush, midweight mouthfeel. Mouthwatering granitic finish. The structure and tension will develop for decades. Made from 94% cabernet sauvignon, 2% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and touches of malbec and petit verdot. Excellent. Screw cap. Drink or hold.”
98 points – James Suckling, July 2025, JamesSuckling.com

“The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Diana Madeline is almost pure Cabernet Sauvignon, with 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, and splashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot. It opens with superb purity and definition, showing cassis and violet aromas with subtle leafy and cedary tones, plus beautifully integrated oak after 14 months in 40% new French barrels. A seamless balance exists between serious tannins and layered flavours, holding a steady hand through a finish of extreme length. In a word: stunning. The best vintage in recent memory.”
97 points – Angus Hughson, October 2025, Vinous.com

"2023 was a perfect vintage in Margaret River, and the dry-grown fruit for this wine was hand-harvested over seven picks, before wild fermentation. This is in its absolute infancy, and while the fragrant oak might be the first guest to the party right now, the fruit is undoubtedly the life of it. Pretty dried rose petals, crushed graphite, rose hip, fennel seed, a pinch of oriental spice and salted raspberries hint at what lies ahead. Tight-grained oak tannins link arms with fine fruit tannins, and well-paced natural acidity hums along with lilting rhythm. At its core, there is a purity of bright fruit. A wine of understated elegance and immense power behind its poise. The slight ocean brine on the finish calls you back, like a sea siren. Don’t rush – give this a few years before opening and you’ll be rewarded. Drink: 2026-2045"
97 points - Cassandra Charlick, April 2025, Decanter.com

“This Diana Madeline delights as soon as it's poured. A deep, dark purple-red and so vibrant. Ah the aromas next – all cedar wood, oak spices and warm earth with fresh mulberries and blackberry essence. It has concentrated, fabulous fruit on the fuller-bodied palate yet there’s a fineness, too, with supple tannins enmeshed in lively acidity. It’s a gorgeous drink. Too young now as it’s still showing off its youthful exuberance. Give this a few more years in the cellar to build more complexity and detail; it's guaranteed to age beautifully for another two or so decades.”
97 points – Jane Faulkner, May 2025, WineCompanion.com.au

£480 In Bond per 6x75

“easily one of the best Chardonnays that I have drunk all year round … hard to stop refilling the glass” – Jane Anson
 
“Absolutely stunning.” – James Suckling
 
“This is a wine of delicacy and finesse." – Angus Hughson

Kevin Cullen grew up in Western Australia and was the first person to receive a Medical Doctorate from the University of Western Australia. He was an outstanding student and in 1941 was invited to Melbourne University to continue his medical studies. It was here that he met and fell for the enigmatic young Physiotherapy student, Diana Adams. Together, they founded Cullen Wines in 1971 and became beloved, pioneering figures within Margaret River winemaking.
 
‘Kevin John’ is named in homage to Kevin Cullen, made from old vine Chardonnay planted between 1976 and 1988, predominantly GinGin and Wente clones.
 
The 2024 vintage was the hottest, driest and earliest harvest on record at Cullen Wines. Rainfall stopped suddenly at the end of September (2023), with virtually no rain until May 2024. The warm weather accelerated the growing season, encouraging a January harvest at optimal ripeness, which was completed within just a few days.
 
The grapes for ‘Kevin John’ were harvested over five picks between 11th and 19^th January 2024. The grapes were whole bunch pressed into puncheons, of which 50% were new. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts. The wine was aged for six months. No fining or filtration.

"Brought for a dinner at home by Andrew Caillard MW, this is easily one of the best Chardonnays that I have drunk all year, and I couldn’t recommend it more. Luscious, vivid, bright citrus with salt-scrape pumice texture, juicy and controlled, hard to stop refilling the glass. Named after estate founder Kevin John Cullen."
98 points - Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

"Absolutely stunning. Complex, tightly wound and intense aromas of lemon peel, flint and crushed river stones with curry leaves, kaffir limes, white orchard fruit and salted nuts. The profound palate balances power and delicacy, supported by persistent, multidimensional acidity and structure. Iconic, made under unprecedented climatic conditions from the hottest, driest and earliest vintage in Margaret River. An excellent, unique and near-perfect chardonnay. One for the ages. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
 98 points - James Suckling - JamesSuckling.com

"The expressive 2024 Chardonnay Kevin John delivers a precise core of grapefruit and cantaloupe lifted by a touch of smoky gunflint and well-proportioned French oak. Good tension and zesty acidity support impressive layers of finely tuned flavours as gingery oak resonates through the silky finish of excellent length. This is a wine of delicacy and finesse."
96 points - Angus Hughson - Vinous.com

"Tasted as a tank sample, the frisky and wildly aromatic 2024 Kevin John Chardonnay leads with crushed shells and fragrant esters, layers of white peach and pear, green apple and cut lime. The wine is bright, fresh and as yet unevolved, but it shows real length and persistence through the finish. Hailing from the hottest, driest and earliest vintage in Margaret River's history, the freshness in this wine is testament to the resilience and balance of the dry-farmed vineyard in Wilyabrup. The wine will be released later this year. 13.9% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."
 94-96 points - Erin Larkin -Robert Parker

"A warm and dry vintage in ’24 yet the fruit was picked early, between the 11th and 19th January, with five hand harvests according to the biodynamic calendar. Aged 6 months in 50% new French oak puncheons. And yet, it's almost a pared-back style given the richness and flavour we’re accustomed to with Kevin John – everything reined in by fine acidity. It’s a pleasing outcome. Grapefruit and white peach, cedar/caramel oak spices and a light fragrance of lemon blossom. Not all upfront fruit; there’s a savouriness throughout, a fine layer of nougat/nutty lees and a tug of phenolics that adds more shape."
96 points - Jane Faulkner - WineCompanion.com

Also available from Cullen and in stock now, the last few cases of a superb 2019 Malbec/Petit Verdot blend from the Mangan vineyard.
(Bargain! - 2020 is £235+, 2021 is £225+!!!)

£480 In Bond per 6x75

On the 'East Block' section of the vineyard, the Malbec (81% of the blend) is deeply rooted and has Scott Henry trellising, giving better exposure and better quality fruit. The Petit Verdot (19% of the blend) component is planted on forest grove which is gravelly soil and produces low yields and intense fruit. The grapes were hand harvested from the prime sections of the eastern blocks of the Mangan vineyard. Fruit was then destemmed and vinified with the emphasis on accentuating the fruit character of the grapes. It was fermented using indigenous yeast, basket-pressed and then matured for five months in French oak, of which 45% was new. A wonderfully rich and dense red, with dark fruit and spicy notes – plums, bitter chocolate and sweet spices carried by ultra-refined tannins.

“Dark chocolate, plum, green olive, bay leaf flavours and scents. Marriage in the two. Smells opulent. Tastes leaner than it smells and yet still manages to feel quite decadent. Nutty tannins roll around the palate. A sense of lushness. Will be great as it approaches secondary characters. Stay the course."
94+ points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

"Even darker than the Red Moon. Same gorgeous floral and dark-red-fruits aroma but even more concentration in both aroma and flavour. Intense wild pure fruit. Deeper, richer but still with the deftly rounded tannins and depth of flavour. The floral character is there on the palate too. Perhaps just a hint of chocolate. Fabulous freshness in the tannins themselves and yet they are so plush."
17.5 points, Julia Harding MW, Jancisrobinson.com

Cullen Wines is a certified biodynamic, carbon neutral and naturally powered estate, with a philosophy summed up in three simple words: ‘Quality, Integrity and Sustainability’. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, it is one of the oldest and most awarded family wineries in Western Australia’s famous Margaret River region. First established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen, the winery has built an outstanding reputation for biodynamic wines that receive excellent critical acclaim.

Diana and Kevin’s youngest daughter Vanya, who has worked at the winery since 1983, became Chief Winemaker in 1989 and Managing Director in 1999. She has worked tirelessly to develop the winery over this time, first introducing organic farming in 1998 and then, in 2004, seeing it classified as a fully certified biodynamic estate. In 2000, she was named the Qantas/The Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year, becoming the first Western Australian, and the first woman, to do so. In 2019, celebrating 30 years at the helm, Vanya received double Winemaker of the Year honours at both the Australian Women in Wine Awards and the Halliday Wine Companion Awards. James Halliday, Australia’s best-known critic, said: “Her commitment to improving Cullen Wines while leaving the world a better place is reflected in the winery’s carbon-neutral and naturally powered status.”

All wines produced here are sourced from grapes grown on the Cullen and adjoining Mangan Vineyards in Wilyabrup, a sub-region of Margaret River. To promote this part of Margaret River, Vanya Cullen has decided to specify Wilyabrup on the Cullen label. Together with a handful of other premium wineries from the area, Cullen are applying for Wilyabrup to have its own Geographical Indication. Both Cullen sites in Wilyabrup are certified biodynamic and the wines are made with no additions of yeast, acid or tannins.