Diana Madeline 2021

Located in the Margaret River wine region on the southwest coast of Western Australia, the Cullen vineyard benefits from a temperate maritime climate, cooled by the nearby Indian Ocean. The vines, cultivated organically and biodynamically, are planted in well-drained gravelly and clay-sand soils, which promote slow and even ripening of the grapes. This mosaic of historic plots, surrounded by native forests, gives the Diana Madeline cuvée a distinct identity, marked by the elegance and finesse of its coastal terroir.

The grapes are hand-harvested using biodynamic methods, with meticulous sorting in the vineyard. Depending on the plot, the berries are either whole-cluster or destemmed, then fermented with indigenous yeasts in open vats, with gentle punch-downs to delicately extract tannins and aromas. The wine is then aged for an extended period in oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new, to refine the structure, add aromatic complexity, and harmoniously integrate the oak before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of blackcurrant , blackberry , and black cherry , enhanced by floral touches of violet and rose petal, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, clove, and licorice. Subtle woody accents of cedar, blond tobacco, and vanilla mingle with a slightly mineral structure. On the palate, the wine is precise, with a silky texture, fresh acidity, fine yet structured tannins, and a long, harmonious, and persistent finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.