This wine is rated amongst the top Cabernets of Australia. Such small amounts are produced it is almost impossible to get your hands on. From the Margaret River in Western Aussie.

Cullen vineyards was one of the pioneers of Western Aussie. Winemaking is in the hands of Vanya Cullen daughter of the founders. She is apparently possessed of an exceptional palate because she often named amongst wine judge panels for some of Aussie's top wine shows.

Haliday says and I qoute.
" The Cab Merlot goes form strength to stregth; indeed, I would rate it Australia's best."

Heres my tn, had this on Sunday night (your Saturday night)
Colour: Deep red with touches of purple
Nose: Spiced cedar, strong cassis and plum. Very aromatic!
Palate: Forward tannins made this wine a little difficult to deal with, however it was quite intergrated but little flavour transfered through to the palate, it was more about texture, and that was awesome and long. However I feel this wine has "closed" down (Dumb phase maybe?) , the fruit didn't bear through to the palate and was more one dimensional than previous examples of this wine. However that could also be vintage (2000 wasn't the best.) but Vanya is too god for that to be the case in my humble opinion.
Overall: An enjoyable wine that sadly didn't live up to expectations- oh well that'll teach me for infanticide. 89 points in the past however I have rated this wine (differing vintages) as high as 97 points (1993). Another eight years should do it well.

Note: Should you be able to find this and you enjoy Cab dominant wines, I would recommend this without hesitation- it just needs time.

Jeremy,

IMO its closed down and not that far below other years. Damnn good wine.

Cheers
Ric

Cheers TORB,
I'm sucha fan of this wine (when I can get it!!).